Dean Pees doesn’t have the fiery personality of Chuck Pagano.

But Pees and Pagano share something.

They both really know defense.

On Friday afternoon, Pees was named the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator, promoted from his job as linebackers coach. He replaces Pagano, who became the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach after one year as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator.

“The tradition of this defense will continue and it will flourish and it will get even better,” said Head Coach John Harbaugh.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to be a defensive coordinator for anybody in this league, but it’s especially humbling to be one for the Ravens,” said Pees. “I’m not going to be the same as Chuck Pagano. You got to be who you are.”

Pees has been in this seat before. He was the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator for four years from 2006 to 2009.

The Patriots’ defense was among the worst in the league this year, and it wasn’t too much better last season. But it wasn’t that way when Pees was there.

During that time, the Patriots ranked in the NFL’s top 10 each season in points allowed per game.  In 2006, Pees’ defense set a New England franchise-record for points allowed per game (14.8). It was the second lowest total in the NFL.

In 2007, the Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season, and the defense allowed the fewest yards by a New England defense in 28 years. They were second in the league with 47 sacks.

“Dean has done it. He’s been with the Patriots,” linebacker Jameel McClain said.

“He knows our style of play. I know firsthand Dean is a great guy, a great coach, and, man, he knows his stuff.”