For 11 years, Jerry Rosburg’s special teams unit was an under-sung reason for the Ravens’ success under coach John Harbaugh. So it was in character Friday when the special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, originally from Fairmont, buried the surprising news of his retirement at the beginning of the team’s news conference. Jerry Rosburg will spend the next three months helping his former assistant, Chris Horton, transition to the role of coordinator before stepping aside in June.

“I’d like to state that the reasons for my retirement are numerous, all of which are personal and none of which are professional,” the Fairmont native said, noting he’s tired of missing time with his three children, all of whom are or were college athletes.

Harbaugh described the 63-year-old Rosburg — known around the team’s facility for his strict adherence to schedules and his practice-field tirades against sloppy play — as his best friend for the past 25 or 30 years.

“He’s been the best associate head coach and the best friend that a head coach can have,” he said. “Without Jerry Rosburg here, there’s no way we would have had the success that we’ve had.”