After four seasons, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale is moving on from John Harbaugh's staff in a rather surprising move.

Harbaugh released a statement on Friday about the decision that both sides made:

“After several productive conversations, Don and I have agreed to move forward in separate directions,” Harbaugh said Friday, via the Ravens' Twitter page. “Don has been a major contributor to the success of our defense since 2012, and especially since he became defensive coordinator four years ago. He has done a great job. Now it’s time to pursue other opportunities. Sometimes the moment comes, and it’s the right time.”

Under Martindale, the Ravens' defense was rather solid over the last four years. However, due to injuries and inconsistencies, they were 25th in the NFL in 2021 in yards allowed as Baltimore disappointingly missed out on the playoffs altogether.

With Martindale stepping away, you'd have to believe he's either pursuing another job elsewhere or trying his luck in the head coaching sweepstakes. However, he hasn't been linked to any open vacancies in that regard quite yet.

Now, Harbaugh will be looking to find the Ravens a brand new defensive coordinator for 2022 as they aim to turn things around 8-9 season which saw them finish at the bottom of the AFC North.