Pro Football Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome will reportedly step down from his position as the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, team owner Steve Bisciotti announced Friday via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Biscotti confirmed that assistant GM Eric DeCosta will be promoted to fill the vacancy.
Newsome, 61, served as an executive for the then-Cleveland Browns before being promoted to vice president of player personnel during the franchise's relocation to Baltimore in 1996. He was officially named general manager in 2002.
The Hall of Famer was instrumental in the Ravens' success during his tenure, which includes two Super Bowls victories, two AFC championships, four AFC North Division titles and 10 playoff appearances in 22 seasons.
Newsome will transition into a scouting role during next season, which is the final year of his contract, according to Bisciotti.
"Ozzie Newsome will be the highest paid scout in the league," Biscotti said, via FOX Baltimore. "After he steps down as GM after the 2018 season and will remain with the Ravens. Ozzie as you know was the Ravens first and only GM until Eric DeCosta takes over in 2019."
According to Rapoport, DeCosta, 46, has been a name linked to several GM vacancies in the past, but has turned down interviews and was long expected to be the Ravens' next general manager.
The executive has been part of the Ravens organization since its relocation and is credited for playing a strong role in drafting several Pro Bowlers including Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Jamal Lewis Bart Scott and numerous others, as well as trading back to draft franchise quarterback Joe Flacco in 2008.
