Eric DeCosta, who started as a scouting intern with the Ravens in the team's first year in 1996, will begin his new role as general manager this Friday, Jan. 11. As was announced a year ago by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, DeCosta replaces Ozzie Newsome, whose general manager's contract ended after the 2018 season.

Newsome will remain with the Ravens in a significant role. DeCosta, who is 47 years old, has declined general manager interviews with other NFL teams in each of the last seven years to stay in Baltimore.

During his Ravens tenure, DeCosta has served as assistant general manager (2012-18), director of player personnel (2009-11), director of college scouting (2003-08) and area scout (1997-2002).

DeCosta earned degrees with honors in English and the Classics at Colby College, where he was a three-year letterman and team captain in football, and currently serves as a Colby Overseer. (Eric was also a team captain of his high school football team at Taunton [Mass.] High School.)