Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome addressed Friday's announcement from owner Steve Bisciotti that he'll be stepping down from his role after the upcoming season.
Related: Ravens announce GM Ozzie Newsome will step down after 2018 season
Newsome said he'll remain GM and continue to direct free agency and the draft in 2018, before handing duties over to current assistant GM Eric DeCosta in 2019.
Though he'll relinquish the title of general manager, Newsome plans to stay with the Ravens in a significant role.
Statement from General Manager Ozzie Newsome. pic.twitter.com/I9AtTxz9Ag
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 3, 2018
While Friday's news came as a surprise with Newsome holding his current role with the Ravens since 2002, the 61-year-old emphasized that the plan has been in the works for some time.
"This is all part of a five-year plan that I worked out with the owner near the end of my contract. Eric will have the title of general manager, which is part of the transition, but there will be very little change," Newsome said Friday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun.
Newsome has been with the Ravens for both of the franchise's two Super Bowl wins, and all four AFC North division championships.
