ExtremeRavens

Welcome to the wild west, NFL coaches edition. Former Ravens coach John Harbaugh was the most significant name to go first, and he has already landed his next gig. Then came now-former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after Pittsburgh was bounced from the playoffs at home by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. And on Monday, the Bills fired Sean McDermott less than 48 hours after Buffalo suffered a crushing overtime loss to the Broncos in Denver. McDermott’s ousting marked the 10th coaching change among the league’s 32 teams in one season — the most in a single cycle since before the 2022 season and tied for most all-time along with the offseasons in 1978, 1997 and 2006, per ESPN. When there is this much turnover there are bound to be teams that cast a wide net in their coaching search. Baltimore is among them, with now 16 candidates having been interviewed for its opening after Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile became the latest on the docket as of Monday morning. That’s also around 10 more than the last time owner Steve Bisciotti went through this process after firing Brian Billick in 2008 before ultimately deciding on Jason Garrett then calling an audible to Harbaugh after Garrett turned down the job, though the list will begin to narrow in the days ahead. What are the Ravens ultimately looking for? “We want leaders. We want the best leader we can find,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said last week in Owings Mills. “We want somebody who’s going to hold the players accountable. We want somebody who’s an expert in Xs and Os, and we want somebody who the players can relate to, but also somebody that’s going to be firm and continue the culture that we’ve built, which we think is important.” The list has run the gamut, from former head coaches to ascendant assistants — and one candidate they interviewed, former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, has already been hired by another team (Atlanta Falcons). It’s also an appealing situation for job seekers, given a talented roster that includes two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and quarterback Lamar Jackson and an organizational reputation that has been the envy of others for years. So where do things stand and where do they go from here? Less than 48 hours after Harbaugh was fired on Jan. 6, the Ravens began conducting their initial interviews, first virtually with Broncos Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph then quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator Davis Webb on Jan. 8. Because the Broncos won on Saturday, though, Baltimore won’t be able to conduct in-person interviews with either — if they are finalists — until Denver is eliminated. If the Broncos and backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham beat the New England Patriots in Sunday’s AFC championship game, the Ravens can meet with either in the bye week between the conference title game and the Super Bowl. Others they have interviewed include: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak (Jan. 9) Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy (Jan. 11) Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (Jan. 12) Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores (Tuesday) Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (Wednesday) Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel (Thursday) Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase (Saturday) Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (Sunday) Campanile (Monday) Only Stefanski, Kingsbury and McDaniel did their interviews in person after being fired from their previous team. Of that group, Baltimore will only have to wait to talk to Kubiak, Shula and Scheelhaase with their respective teams still playing. The Ravens are also bringing in Weaver for a second, in-person interview on Tuesday, according to NFL Network. Doing so would fulfill the league’s Rooney Rule requirement of in-person interviews with at least two external minority candidates, with McDaniel having been the other. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, and executive vice president/general manager Eric DeCosta are in the process of narrowing down their list of coaching candidates. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) But with that number also reaching 16 — a total that DeCosta mentioned last week — it’s possible that the Ravens are now ready to winnow the list to a handful of finalists. Of course, there could be another unknown candidate or two they are looking at or have even talked to with neither side letting that information get out. Whatever the total number of interviewees is, they are being interviewed by DeCosta, along with executive vice president Ozzie Newsome and president Sashi Brown. Others in the organization are typically part of the process as well. Once they are down to a handful of finalists, the interviews will be more extensive and involve more people, including Bisciotti and possibly Jackson. Bisciotti has already spoken with Jackson, as has DeCosta, and he has been invited to be a part of the process if he wishes. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: Dear Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti … | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens’ next coach needs to be a CEO, not a phony | COMMENTARY Why did ex-Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s deal with Giants take so long? Now what for Ravens? 5 biggest offseason questions, from coach to NFL draft Josh Tolentino: After misfires, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is in uncharted waters | COMMENTARY Though Bisciotti made it clear that Jackson has no power in the ultimate decision, having the face of the franchise involved is of particular interest with the expectation to win a championship sooner than later. Still, the process could take some time, particularly if the coach they want to hire ends up in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Already, DeCosta has said he is treating it like a three-week draft, so that timetable would put a decision around the end of this month. In terms of what they are prioritizing, Bisciotti made it clear that he is not eliminating a former coach with a losing record because of circumstances. He also said he does not have a preference between an offensive or defensive coordinator. What both Bisciotti and DeCosta did make clear is the need to be able to connect with Jackson. Of the 15 available candidates, seven are offense-focused: Webb, Kubiak, Nagy, Kingsbury, McDaniel, Scheelhaase and Brady. The rest are defense-oriented. Seven — Joseph, Nagy, Kingsbury, Flores, Schwartz, McDaniel, Saleh — have also been head coaches. Only Nagy and McDaniel had winning records. But the Ravens aren’t looking at the next coach in a vacuum, either. They’re looking at filling the role with the offensive and defensive coordinator positions in mind as well, so if a candidate is able to bring in someone for one or both of those positions to marry the group together, that could be a factor in who the next coach is. It’s possible, too, that they have looked at college coaches, though none have been revealed in the interview process thus far. Whatever direction Baltimore decides to go in the coming days and weeks, though, one thing is clear: the expectation to capture the organization’s third Vince Lombardi trophy and first since after the 2012 season. “Well, it took Billick two years, and John five [years], maybe I’ll give this guy six,” Bisciotti said. “I hope we pick the kind of guy that’s going to get us there. I think we have a roster that’s capable of it. I think we have a GM that’s capable of making that roster better on the fly, and yes, I’ll be patient to that point. I’d probably give him five or six years — as long as I like everything else I see in him.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Mike McDaniel, who went 35-33 over four seasons as the Dolphins' coach, is one of more than a dozen candidates for the Ravens' head coach opening. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP) View the full article

Dear Steve Bisciotti, Come back soon. You explained you stopped making yourself publicly available because, “Like Seinfeld, I ran out of good material.” But following Tuesday’s rare news conference, it’s clear the material was never the issue. It had been a while since anyone heard directly from you in this setting. Long enough that this felt more like a refreshing reintroduction. For many fans, and plenty of people outside Baltimore, it probably was one. After all, you hadn’t spoken to any local media since 2022, and you hadn’t held a news conference at The Castle since 2018, before Lamar Jackson was even drafted. When an owner steps into public view after a disappointing 8-9 season that featured the worst home record (3-6) the Ravens have ever had in the team’s 30-year history, it offers the opportunity to buy credibility with a disgruntled fan base. Especially after a year that began with Super Bowl expectations ended with empty seats and a glaring postseason absence. It must’ve been difficult to brave the podium one week after firing 18-year coach John Harbaugh. In response to the first question you received, you addressed the elephant in the room. “Factually, we led the league in giving up big leads in the fourth quarter. It’s not something that winning organizations do. We have underperformed based on our seeding in the playoffs, very disappointing. [There were] a lot of our great players involved making mistakes that they don’t make during the regular season very often. But I just thought it was something that in the last 10 years, we’ve won the third-most games in the NFL, and yet people were saying we were underachievers, and so we were, and we had to own that. “I wasn’t 100% sure [on firing Harbaugh] until, really, after the [Steelers] loss, and I fell on my instincts, and whatever I was feeling was right. I woke up Monday, and I was pretty sure that I was going to do it. … I made the decision, and it was a hard one. As you all know, in your life, timing is never right. You can’t say that timing is perfect in anything. But I got to the point that I didn’t believe that I would feel regret after I made that decision. “That’s what instinct is. When you finally get to the point that you’re pretty damn sure that you are not going to regret the decision a day or a week later, then that’s the time to make the decision.” There was no sugarcoating nor deflection over your meeting with local reporters. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens’ next coach needs to be a CEO, not a phony | COMMENTARY Why did ex-Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s deal with Giants take so long? Now what for Ravens? 5 biggest offseason questions, from coach to NFL draft Josh Tolentino: After misfires, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is in uncharted waters | COMMENTARY With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? You directly acknowledged all the fourth-quarter collapses the Ravens suffered under the direction of your close friend. You also revealed everything that went into the decision and ultimately, your instinct to fire Harbaugh. Additionally, you discussed the importance of Jackson’s voice and cooperation in this pivotal offseason. Heck, you even outlined your potential exit plan. That level of candor stood out. It was refreshing to hear your accountability and honesty. National pundits raved about your rare hour-long availability session, too. ESPN’s Peter Schrager called the news conference “transparent, illuminating and a master class.” CBS Sports’ Jason McCourty said you are exactly what players want in an owner. NFL Network’s Judy Battista said it’s “too bad” you don’t speak more often because “you’re very good at it.” When fans needed it most, you stepped up to the plate. Bravo. That might have been the most important part. It felt like there was something instructive in the way you answered questions, not just about past failures, but also with what comes next in the ever-important coaching search. In many ways, you reset expectations for Baltimore’s next coach. Harbaugh did it splendidly with great results for 18 seasons. This is a highly sought-after position, one that requires comfort under scrutiny, with tough questions and with accountability that must reflect across the locker room and beyond. When the owner is willing to answer for it, everyone else in the organization must be able to do the same. Like the rest of your fans, you witnessed up-close the same fourth-quarter collapses, felt the same frustration as attendance wavered late into the season and wrestled with the same doubts and questions about the direction of the franchise. Asked why you no longer make yourself regularly available, you directed attention toward your chief employees, primarily general manager Eric DeCosta, making football decisions. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, and general manager Eric DeCosta fist-bump during last week's news conference. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “I just always felt like if I put these guys in charge, and they got us to the playoffs. Look, I appreciate the local media … I just got to the point that I didn’t see the benefit of sitting up here and dissecting losing in the divisional round. To me, it wasn’t fair, because it was the leaders who were making the decisions that were going to give you the best information. “So, I just bailed. I just kind of said to you guys, ‘When we don’t make the playoffs, I’ll be there for you, but when we make the playoffs, I’m just going to leave it to my specialists to explain it all to you and what their plan is [moving] forward.'” Last week, though, showed there’s plenty of space for both. There’s room for DeCosta to explain the plan, and there’s certainly additional room for when it falls apart, for the owner to step in and address what went wrong and what lies ahead. Consider this column an invitation. Mr. Bisciotti, please come back soon. It helps everyone involved. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

If the Ravens made a miscalculation when they hired John Harbaugh 18 years ago, they should make the same mistake again in 2026. All Harbaugh did was win Super Bowl XLVII, post 13 winning seasons with a career record of 193-124 (including playoffs), win six AFC North titles, advance to four AFC championship games and have only three losing seasons. That’s it. In contrast, 12 teams have never won a Super Bowl, including the Bills, Vikings, Titans and Browns. So, it’s of vital importance that Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, 65, get this new coach hire right, not only because he probably plans on selling the team within the immediate future, but the organization needs some staying power. Some, even Bisciotti, have suggested that he hire someone like San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh or Miami’s former coach Mike McDaniel, coaches who failed at previous spots because they didn’t have the right pieces in place. No, thank you. There have already been enough videos of Saleh flexing in tight T-shirts and McDaniel looking totally clueless on the sidelines. The expectation is that Bisciotti will hire another CEO type, much like he did when he hired Harbaugh, who had the same energy, slick-talking approach and well-groomed look as Bisciotti had when he started Aerotek in 1983. They had other common traits, such as putting family first and being extremely loyal to those they worked with, according to a close friend. That’s what is needed with almost every NFL organization these days. You need a Mike Vrabel-type. Forget that he was a linebacker in the league from 1997 through 2010. Vrabel, 50, brought energy to the Patriots by setting the tone inside the building and changing the culture. He also inherited a second-year quarterback, Drake Maye, who, by all accounts, is willing to work, which gives them more of an edge. More importantly, Vrabel gets along well with his players, though that 6-foot-4, 261-pound frame helps him relate to them. Vrabel is still hungry. He won three Super Bowls with the Patriots as a player, and as a coach, he led Tennessee to three consecutive playoff appearances, but no Super Bowl appearances. Vrabel was coached by Bill Belichick in his prime, but the days of Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi are gone. That’s when a coach could look at film, install a game plan, win or lose, and then go home. The world has changed. Players have podcasts and scroll through social media all day, and coaches have to be aware of what is going on outside of the organization as well as inside. They stay on or monitor most radio and TV stations. Betting on NFL games has become legal now, and it will be a bigger problem in the future. Then there is show time. After every defensive turnover, players showboat as if they are on Entertainment Tonight. Contract negotiations? Coaches are involved in player contract talks, and even Harbaugh reportedly had to work out an agreement with the New York Giants over the weekend in which he didn’t report directly to the general manager, but to the owner. That’s standard now. The business has changed. Owners are more impatient, too. There was a time when coaches got four or five years to build a program. Now, it’s down to one with the recent firings of Urban Meyer in Jacksonville (2021), Houston’s David Culley (2021), Carolina’s Frank Reich (2023), New England’s Jerod Mayo (2024), and Las Vegas’ Antonio Pierce (2024) and Pete Carroll (2025). Related Articles Josh Tolentino: Dear Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti … | COMMENTARY Why did ex-Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s deal with Giants take so long? Now what for Ravens? 5 biggest offseason questions, from coach to NFL draft Josh Tolentino: After misfires, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is in uncharted waters | COMMENTARY With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? Some local fans prefer a head coach with offensive experience like McDaniel or Buffalo’s Joe Brady, but I want one with an extensive defensive background. Defense travels, and that was on display for many years in Baltimore with the likes of middle linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. The advantage here is that a coach can always find an offensive coordinator, especially given the recent rule changes tilt in the offense’s favor. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wants a 35-31 outcome every game because he believes that puts people into the seats. That’s true to some degree, but the Ravens already have a star quarterback in Lamar Jackson and one of the best modern-day running backs in Derrick Henry. It comes back to the basic principle of having balance on both sides of the interior lines. The Ravens had trouble in pass protection for Jackson, who wants to throw more and run less. They had virtually no pass rush, and the secondary was in total disarray in coverage. If you look at the best team in the NFL right now, it’s probably Seattle, even though the Seahawks have Sam Darnold at quarterback. But they also have balance on both sides of the ball. Last year, Philadelphia won the Super Bowl because of its superior interior line play. Again, it’s all about balance. Despite the NFL becoming more entertainment than substance, the Ravens don’t need a coach running up and down the sidelines like the Jets’ Aaron Glenn or Lions’ Dan Campbell talking about biting knee caps. I didn’t want former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who was hired by the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, despite having only two winning seasons with the “Clowns” and compiling a 46-56 overall record. Phonies shouldn’t apply. The Ravens need a CEO-type of coach who can delegate and moderate in the modern NFL. That’s what the league has become and is all about. The game hasn’t changed, but the players have, and so has just about everything else. The league has gone corporate. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter made the report that was confirmed by The Baltimore Sun. John Harbaugh was set to become the New York Giants’ next head coach. It took three more days — and a series of confusing updates without an official announcement — but New York and the former Ravens coach finally reached a five-year agreement Sunday, according to multiple reports. As part of the deal, Harbaugh will report directly to Giants ownership, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported. The arrangement marks a notable concession by the organization, deviating from its typical structure. The Giants are primarily owned by John Mara and Steve Tisch. “This is the New York Giants,” Harbaugh told ESPN. “I’m proud and honored to the head coach of this historic franchise, and especially excited to work with the Mara and Tisch families. But most of all, I can’t wait to get started with the great players on this football team to see what we can accomplish together.” ESPN’s Giants beat reporter Jordan Raanan described the stalemate Friday as “working through organizational and operational issues.” It’s important to remember that Harbaugh reported directly to owner Steve Bisciotti during his 18 years in Baltimore. That structure looks different in New York, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, as general manager Joe Schoen holds significant authority and also has faced heavy criticism for his managerial approach. A recent precedent existed. Just one year ago, Jacksonville coach Liam Coen required the firing of general manager Trent Baalke as a condition of accepting the job, a move that preceded the Jaguars’ first playoff appearance in three years. Harbaugh met with Schoen Wednesday at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during his pitch to join the organization. But he had already reportedly sidestepped Schoen, holding an “informal lunch meeting” at his house with Giants senior player personnel executive Chris Mara days before his first official meeting with the general manager, according to Ian O’Connor of The Athletic. “There were plenty of things to figure out, including structure, how things were going work in John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said. “This was about John Harbaugh getting more power than they typically give a coach,” added Mike Garafolo of the network. “Even general manager Joe Schoen understood that.” Schefter indicated in his initial report that work remained, noting that “contract numbers still are being negotiated.” He later added that “there are still some details to work out,” clarifying a day later that the holdup wasn’t about money — “it’s over language.” By Saturday morning, Schefter reported the deal was still being worked on but trending toward completion, with optimism Harbaugh could be introduced Tuesday. Related Articles Now what for Ravens? 5 biggest offseason questions, from coach to NFL draft Josh Tolentino: After misfires, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is in uncharted waters | COMMENTARY With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans want Klint Kubiak as the next coach NFL coach matchmaker: Predicting landing spots for all 8 available jobs Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported Friday that many within the Giants’ organization had expected Harbaugh to want Schoen to be gone or to reduce his power in a new organizational structure. Leonard reported that several internal departments — including the training room, video and public relations staffs — had historically been insulated from regime changes, and that removing long-tenured personnel with ties to ownership was among the most sensitive issues within the organization. Any effort by Harbaugh to install his own staff, Leonard wrote, would have required disrupting some of the most protected positions behind the scenes in East Rutherford — a dynamic that risked creating internal friction. Raanan’s reporting reinforced Leonard’s depiction of a potential power struggle, suggesting the delay was less about contractual fine print and more about how much authority Harbaugh would ultimately have inside the building. Raanan reported that people with experience in both Baltimore and New York consistently described the Ravens as operating on a different organizational plane, citing advantages in analytics, training, video, medical and personnel infrastructure. Baltimore’s willingness to invest heavily across departments had long served as an internal benchmark leaguewide. Several people familiar with Harbaugh’s thinking, Raanan reported, believed he was unlikely to accept a situation that did not allow him to replicate that model — a stance that ultimately shaped the final agreement. The deal is finally done. And Harbaugh’s entrance into the Big Apple came with the kind of dramatic flair the city is known for. Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

Life moves fast in the NFL, especially when the games slow, or more specifically because they do. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti fired John Harbaugh – the winningest and just the third coach in team history – on Jan. 6. On Thursday, less than eight days later, Harbaugh agreed to become the 24th coach of the New York Giants. By the time Bisciotti spoke with reporters this past Tuesday, Baltimore had also already interviewed eight candidates, with at least another eight or nine to come before the approaching weekend is over. From there, the Ravens will take their list of 15 to 20 and narrow it to four or five finalists. Because Bisciotti, who will turn 66 in April, prefers at this stage of life to treat owning the team, in his words, more like a hobby than putting in the 70 hours a week he used to early in his ownership he leaves the day-to-day to general manager Eric DeCosta, executive vice president and former general manager Ozzie Newsome and team president Sashi Brown. So when it comes to who will be the Ravens’ next coach, the billionaire who resides in Jupiter, Florida, will leave that decision mostly to that triumvirate. “When they call me in for these five [finalists], I’m going to already know why they love them,” Bisciotti said. “I’m going to come back, and I’m going to give just them my honest opinions, my reservations – if there are any – on individuals that may be a red flag that they didn’t see. So, I would hope that when I spend a lot of time with these people, that I might unearth some things; which I think I’m really good at unearthing some details that maybe others missed. I think that I’d like to feed that into them, and if it changes their top five, then great. And if it doesn’t, I want these guys to be partners.” In terms of a timeline on that decision, DeCosta said he views the process like a three-week NFL draft. With that as a backdrop, it’s likely the Ravens would come to their decision sometime around the conference championship games. The rest of that coach’s staff would then be filled out sometime on either side of the Super Bowl on Feb. 8. Who that coach will be is, of course, the biggest question Baltimore is facing this offseason. It’s also one of many paramount ones. Here are the five most significant questions Bisciotti’s braintrust must answer in the weeks and months ahead. Who will be the next coach? One of the more insightful things Bisciotti said is that he is not scared off by a coach who has a losing record, noting that the circumstances around the situation have to be taken into account. “I could say I’m disqualifying coaches with losing records, but I think you have to remember that they were the hottest coaches in their cycle, and they got jobs and they got tough jobs, and I don’t think we have a tough job,” he said. “When Tony Dungy said, ‘This is a bad decision,’ and, ‘Good luck finding someone better than John [Harbaugh].’ I literally wanted to call Tony and say, ‘Do you remember John 18 years ago? How can you take our success and use it against me while we’re out trying to find the next John Harbaugh?’ That’s impossible. “So, if I hire an offensive coordinator or a defensive coordinator, none of you can say anything about his poor record the first time he was a head coach. And so, it’d be very easy for me to try and avoid those ex-head coaches because they have losing records, but I’m telling you, we are keen to their circumstances, and we won’t let their first shot at a job influence us negatively for this one.” Of the at least 10 coaches Baltimore has formally interviewed, six are former head coaches: Vance Joseph, Kevin Stefanski, Matt Nagy, Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores and Jim Schwartz. Of them, only Nagy doesn’t have a losing record, going 34-31 during the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs in four seasons leading the Chicago Bears from 2018 to 2021. It’s also notable to remember that Harbaugh was a relative unknown when Bisciotti hired him (albeit as his second choice behind then-Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett) from the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was a long-time special teams coordinator and spent one season as defensive backs coach. Who could be this year’s version of that? Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, 35, has percolated around the league for his behind-the-scenes work of game plan design, among other things, and has a good record under Sean McVay’s Los Angeles coaching tree, which includes the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur, Cincinnati Bengals’ Zac Taylor and to an extent the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Liam Coen. Only one of McVay’s former assistants (recently-fired Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris) hasn’t made the playoffs as a head coach. Another name that has risen among league cognoscenti is 30-year-old Denver Broncos pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. He has certainly helped in the development of Broncos second-year quarterback Bo Nix, but would also be easily the youngest coach in the NFL. Where are the Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson in contract negotiations? Lamar Jackson is under contract for two more seasons. The bad news is that his salary cap number is due to skyrocket to $74.5 million in 2026 and 2027, which would chew up nearly 25% of the team’s total cap space. Because of that, there’s an urgency for Bisciotti and company to get an extension done by the start of the new league year on March 11. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: After misfires, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is in uncharted waters | COMMENTARY With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans want Klint Kubiak as the next coach NFL coach matchmaker: Predicting landing spots for all 8 available jobs Giants, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh finalizing deal “The urgency of that matters to me because we’ve got free agents and I don’t want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head,” Bisciotti said. “And I made that clear to Lamar and I think he was very appreciative of my stance and hopefully willing to work with Eric and not get this thing dragged out into April like the last time. It’s very hard for him to build a roster when that thing is not settled.” If nothing else, there has certainly been a good deal more communication with the quarterback than in the past. Bisciotti spoke to Jackson on the phone the night before he fired Harbaugh. He talked to him after the firing. DeCosta has also spoken with Jackson on multiple occasions. Jackson has also been invited to be a part of the process of hiring the next coach — though Bisciotti made it clear that Jackson has “no power” in that decision. The two sides being engaged is certainly a good sign, and it’s worth remembering that the last time Jackson, who acts as his own agent, made a trade request amid his last contract negotiations in 2023 he only did so as a matter of business tactics. Who will be their next offensive and defensive coordinators? It has already been reported that Todd Monken will join Harbaugh in New York as his offensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr is also not likely to be back after the Ravens’ defense, which was historically great in 2023, took a big step backwards each of the past two seasons. Who replaces each, of course, depends on who the head coach is. Zach Orr struggled as the Ravens' defensive coordinator in 2025, ranking in the bottom 10 of yards allowed. Baltimore's next hire at the position will be important in getting the organization back to the postseason. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Scheelhaase and Webb could be potential candidates for offensive coordinator if neither lands a head coaching job. It would be a significant promotion for each. Another possibility perhaps would be ex-Miami Dolphins coach Mike MacDaniel, who is widely viewed as one of the more creative minds in the game. Or perhaps former Commanders coordinator Kliff Kingsbury would fit the bill after overseeing quarterback Jayden Daniels’ success in Washington and a college career in which he worked with a few other high-profile quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes. Who they turn to on defense is perhaps more interesting and also possibly more difficult to pinpoint. Schwartz has a terrific track record as the Browns’ defensive coordinator, but he’s probably not leaving Cleveland in a lateral move, unless whoever their new coach wouldn’t want to bring him back, which wouldn’t make a lot of sense. The same scenario would likely be true for other defensive coaches Baltimore has already interviewed for its head job. If the Ravens hire a defensive coordinator or former head coach with a defensive background as their head coach, perhaps that coach brings someone from his staff with him, or identifies someone among Baltimore’s current assistants. If it’s an offensive-oriented coach, that opens things up even more, though it’s unlikely to be someone who changes Baltimore’s defensive scheme significantly. However it plays out, the Ravens will already know who their coordinators will be when they hire the head coach with DeCosta, Newsome and Brown looking at it as a package deal. Which of its own free agents will Baltimore keep; which outside ones will it pursue? The Ravens have two-dozen free agents, 19 of which are unrestricted. They also have what DeCosta called a “nice little nest egg” in terms of money they carried over this year that should free them up a little more than usual when it comes to retaining some of their own players while shopping around the league for what DeCosta dubbed “big-ticket” items. Whom could they look to keep and whom could they look to target? Among their own, three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum figures to top the list of priorities. He’s undersized and has had some neck issues, but he checks so many of Baltimore’s boxes on and off the field. Having continuity by retaining the guy who snaps the ball to Jackson is also important, and there’s no obvious candidate to replace him on the roster. Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, a 26-year-old two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, tops the market at $18 million a year, so it will cost DeCosta significant capital to keep Linderbaum, who will likely want to earn close to that on an annual basis. Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, shown arriving for the first day of training camp in 2025, is among the free agents Baltimore would like to re-sign. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) The good news for Baltimore is that other players it could look to keep should cost much less. Among them are All-Pro punter Jordan Stout, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, safety Ar’Darius Washington, fullback/tight end Pat Ricard and tight end Charlie Kolar. Outside the building, the Ravens could look to make a splash in one or two of a few areas. With a lack of sacks and quarterback pressure by the defense this past season, their biggest need is at outside linebacker/edge. Veteran Kyle Van Noy isn’t likely to be back after struggling this year and Dre’Mont Jones probably doesn’t give them the level of juice they’re seeking. The next biggest focus will be the offensive line, particularly at both guard spots. Bisciotti pointed out how the offensive line didn’t improve this season and while offensive line coach George Warhop will get some of the blame, some of it will fall on the players. On defense, the Ravens signed ascendant Travis Jones and veteran John Jenkins to extensions this season, both important deals with Nnamdi Madubuike’s future unclear because of a season-ending neck injury. But they need more up front and figure to add to the group through the draft and free agency. Lastly, cornerback and wide receiver will be needs as well. It seems likely the Ravens will move on from veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey after he had a poor year in 2025 and will turn 30 this summer. Mercurial wide receiver Rashod Bateman was nearly traded to the Dallas Cowboys last offseason and could be on the block again after a big drop in targets and production and what is a team-friendly contract that he signed only last offseason. A fresh start somewhere else might do both parties good. Whatever moves the Ravens make, though, will undoubtedly depend on what they can do with Jackson’s contract. “Well, it would certainly give us more flexibility, cap-wise, roster building,” DeCosta said. “A deal with Lamar would give us the ability to be more active, to re-sign some more players on the team and to potentially go after a couple of big-ticket items. We haven’t traditionally done that. We’ve been more reserved when it comes to free agency. We like the amount of draft picks we have this year. We do have money to go out and re-sign guys – free agents that we have right now; [they are] some good players, certainly – but having more money would be helpful, for sure.” What positions will the Ravens target in the draft? As mentioned, for as much talent as the Ravens’ roster had this season, there are a plethora of needs. Building through the draft is also an organizational philosophy that isn’t changing with the ouster of Harbaugh. “I still believe the best way of building the team is through the draft, because I’ve seen Ozzie do it so many years and do it at a Hall of Fame level,” DeCosta said. “We will participate in free agency, and we will trade for players. We’ve done that. It has to be right player, right price. If there’s an elite Hall-of-Fame-type talent that’s available that we think can come in and be – as Steve likes to call them – game wreckers, we look at that. “But to do that for a really, really good player and have to pay the exorbitant price and also give up all the draft pick capital, that can set your franchise back for a long time as we’ve seen.” This year, the Ravens have 10 draft picks, which includes the 14th overall pick, their highest position since 2022. That year, they used the 14th pick on safety Kyle Hamilton, which has obviously worked out. Some picks haven’t panned out so well, be it 2024 third-round selection Adisa Isaac, 2023 third-rounder Trenton Simpson, or, most notably, 2022 second-round pick David Ojabo. But Bisciotti has made it clear that DeCosta, who will be leading his eighth draft this April, isn’t going anywhere and that he has been happy with his “singles and doubles and home runs” among some whiffs. Among Baltimore’s biggest needs that it will address in the draft: Offensive and defensive line, pass rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, running back and quarterback. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, shown Tuesday at a news conference, hopes to retool Baltimore's roster through the NFL draft and free agency. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

This offseason is shaping up to be a new test for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. For the first time in his tenure, DeCosta will be tasked with retooling a roster alongside a head coach not named John Harbaugh. Is the team’s top football chief ready for the challenge? On Tuesday, owner Steve Bisciotti offered DeCosta a strong public endorsement, labeling him an “.800 hitter.” The comment reinforced Bisciotti’s confidence in DeCosta, but the reason why Bisciotti made himself available in a news conference setting for the first time since 2018 is because the Ravens failed to reach expectations in 2025 and, in turn, parted ways with their veteran coach. Harbaugh might be gone, but this past season exposed a series of DeCosta-led roster decisions that actively contributed to the team’s downfall. To his credit, DeCosta didn’t shy away from that reality. “When you underachieve, you can blame a lot of things,” DeCosta said. “We didn’t play consistently from game to game. … We underachieved as a scouting staff, as a coaching staff and as players. [We underachieved] across the board, and we have to own that, and I think we will. We’re excited about it. We’ve been in this position before, many times over the last 30 years where we’ve had to rebuild and tweak and change and adjust and really look at ourselves and say, ‘What can we do better?’ “I think it starts with me. It starts with the new coaching staff, and I think the players will be accountable as well.” DeCosta’s misfires were widespread. The signing of quarterback Cooper Rush was supposed to be a conservative insurance policy behind Lamar Jackson. Instead, it became one of the season’s most glaring failures. When Jackson missed time because of injuries, Rush started two games. The Ravens lost both. The veteran struggled to operate the offense, tumbled down the depth chart and eventually became an emergency option behind Tyler Huntley. From the onset, Rush felt like an odd fit. The defensive line followed a similar arc. When $100 million defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike went down early with a season-ending neck injury, the rest of the defensive line suffered immensely. Kyle Van Noy’s sack numbers fell sharply, from a career-high 12 1/2 sacks in 2024 to just two this past season. Second-round draft pick Mike Green finished with 3 1/2 sacks, which ranked third most on the team. Behind the defensive front sat a high-paid, veteran secondary that struggled against quality passers. The Ravens invested heavily in experience and continuity — in addition to using their top draft pick on safety Malaki Starks — on the back end, but the return was inconsistent coverage and several late-game breakdowns and collapses. Baltimore’s pass defense ranked second to last in the NFL behind only the Cowboys. Remember when the Ravens were once regularly feared as a top NFL defense? Related Articles Now what for Ravens? 5 biggest offseason questions, from coach to NFL draft With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans want Klint Kubiak as the next coach NFL coach matchmaker: Predicting landing spots for all 8 available jobs Giants, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh finalizing deal The oft-criticized offensive line notably regressed after DeCosta gambled on running it back with essentially the same group from the 2024 season that helped set franchise records. He paired that decision with another risk in drafting Emery Jones Jr. (third round, No. 91 overall), who missed all of training camp and started the season on injured reserve while he recovered from a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. Jones might eventually develop into a contributor, but the draft capital DeCosta allocated toward the 6-foot-5 lineman could’ve been used elsewhere on a roster that proved to have multiple holes. The offensive line improved in run blocking, but struggled throughout in pass protection. Jackson suffered 36 sacks, second most in his career, despite playing in only 13 games. The list continues. Wide receiver Zay Flowers reinforced himself as the clear No. 1 option in the passing game, but behind him, the drop-off was steep. Rashod Bateman’s offseason extension was team-friendly on paper, but the production cratered as Bateman posted the worst statistical season of his five-year career. He repeatedly appeared disinterested within an offense catered toward Flowers and running back Derrick Henry, and he faded from weekly relevance. Flowers led the Ravens with 86 catches and 1,211 receiving yards. The gap between him and the rest of the receiving corps (Bateman 19 catches, 224 yards; DeAndre Hopkins 22 catches, 330 yards; Devontez Walker 6 catches, 136 yards; Tylan Wallace 4 catches, 45 yards) further magnified the team’s need for a reliable No. 2 WR. DeCosta will now address each of these issues while navigating unfamiliar professional ground. The Ravens’ coaching vacancy, one of nine across the league, is widely viewed as the best opening available. The infrastructure is appealing, highlighted by a two-time MVP quarterback in Jackson, an offensive identity powered by Henry, a defensive cornerstone in Kyle Hamilton, and an owner willing to spend in pursuit of Baltimore’s third Lombardi Trophy. DeCosta and Ozzie Newsome have built strong rosters in past seasons. But this time, the general manager-coach pairing will be new territory for DeCosta to navigate in what will be a defining offseason. “I think Eric is one of the best GMs in the league,” Bisciotti said. “I think he’s batting .800. I’m just making up a number for you, but I’m not going to look at Eric’s 200 whiffs. I’ll look at his 800 singles and doubles and home runs. To me, that’s fair. I’m very, very pleased with Eric.” Bisciotti sounds ultra confident in the man tasked with recognizing and correcting his misfires. The owner’s instinct has led him to sustained success since he became the franchise’s majority owner in 2004. But confidence should not eliminate consequence. DeCosta will attempt to fix what went wrong while simultaneously forging a new working relationship with the franchise’s fourth head coach, without the benefit of comfort and alignment he shared with Harbaugh. Is he ready? Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, right, stands next to Malaki Starks, center, and then-Ravens coach John Harbaugh in 2025. DeCosta faces perhaps his most important offseason as the team's general manager. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

When Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti woke up the morning after Baltimore’s ill-fated season came careening to its end in Pittsburgh knowing that he would fire John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and then acted on that decision the following day, the one-time Super Bowl winner and 14th winningest coach in NFL history immediately went straight to the top of the list of available candidates. Unsurprisingly, it took just over a week for the 63-year-old coach to land his next gig, with the New York Giants eagerly hiring him in an effort to restore the storied and once-proud franchise. Now one of questions as far as Baltimore is concerned is, who will Harbaugh potentially take him with him to fill out his staff and roster? Though many of his now former assistants are under contract with the Ravens through the 2027 season, Baltimore’s next coach from among at least 15 candidates is likely to bring in his largely his own group, from the coordinator level down. Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta were also critical of the job the coaching staff did amid an 8-9 season in which Baltimore tied a franchise record with five losses in its first six games and ended the year out of the playoffs for the first time since 2021 — despite a roster that includes two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and quarterback Lamar Jackson along with six players selected to this year’s Pro Bowl Games. “I think that you can look at a lot of guys on our team that we had expected to take the next step that did not take that next step,” Bisciotti said. “And we’ve got to get to the bottom of that with coaching and scouting.” Added DeCosta: “I think we underachieved as a scouting staff, as a coaching staff and as players.” So, what coaches and looming free agents could perhaps follow Harbaugh to New York? Todd Monken, offensive coordinator It has already been reported that Monken is expected to become the Giants’ offensive coordinator, replacing Mike Kafka, who has been in the role since 2022. It also makes sense. Like Jackson, Jaxson Dart is a mobile quarterback who at times dazzled this past season as a rookie before getting injured. He was also a big part of the reason Harbaugh took the job. In Baltimore, Monken was the architect of an offense in 2024 that became the first to reach 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season. He also helped propel Jackson to career highs in passing yards, touchdown passes and completion percentage during his tenure. Monken was also the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019 when Baker Mayfield threw for a career-high 3,827 yards, a mark that still stands. At Georgia, his work with quarterback Stetson Bennett and the offense helped the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. As for other assistants he could potentially look to bring with him, some of those decisions will be determined by whom the Ravens are willing to let go of. Again, though, the coaching staff is likely to look much different for Baltimore next season. Potential Ravens coaches Harbaugh might target: Senior special teams coach Randy Brown, defensive line coach Dennis Johnson, running backs coach Willie Taggart, assistant special teams coach Anthony Levine Sr., outside linebacker coach Matt Robinson, inside linebackers coach Tyleer Santucci. As for players, the Ravens have two dozen pending free agents, including 19 unrestricted. Some of them will undoubtedly be guys that Harbaugh will have an interest in bringing to the Giants, who have a roster with some talent but still a lot of holes to fill. Given his penchant for special teams, he will also want to bring in players who can help fill that void for a team that ranked in the bottom third of the league in most categories. Related Articles READERS RESPOND: Some Ravens fans want Klint Kubiak as the next coach NFL coach matchmaker: Predicting landing spots for all 8 available jobs Giants, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh finalizing deal John Harbaugh interviews in person for Giants’ coaching vacancy Watch Episode 21 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Pat Ricard, FB/TE Ricard has been an integral part of Baltimore’s plans on offense, but that could change under a new regime. He has a lot of wear and tear, but he also wants to play at least 10 seasons and would hit that milestone next season. The Giants were sixth in rushing yards per game last season but just 17th in yards per carry, a metric Ricard’s blocking would almost certainly improve, and his pass blocking skills would be a benefit to Dart. He’d also be a fascinating fit alongside running back Cam Skattebo. Isaiah Likely, TE With the asking price out of the Ravens’ range, Baltimore opted to re-up with veteran Mark Andrews instead. That means Likely, 25 and who just finished his fourth season, could be an attractive piece for an offense that lacks playmakers outside of Nabers. Likely took a step back this season after breaking his foot in August and missing the first three games, but he showed his potential in 2024 with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns as he emerged as one of Jackson’s favorite targets, particularly when things go off schedule. Charlie Kolar, TE Kolar also logged a ton of special teams snaps, with his 293 the third-most on the team. He also provides versatility as both a blocker and receiver. Theo Johnson was New York’s primary tight end and took a big step forward in his second season with career highs in catches (45), yards (528) and touchdowns (five), the latter leading the team, but Kolar would give them another ascending and familiar player at a position that needs help. Tylan Wallace, WR Long a special teams stalwart and popular and well-respected locker room presence with the Ravens, it also seems like the fifth-year receiver could be elsewhere next season. He hasn’t been able to carve out much of an offensive role with Baltimore, but perhaps he’d be able to do so somewhere behind Giants star Malik Nabers in addition to being the kind of dependable special teamer that Harbaugh covets. Jake Hummel, LB See above. Hummel led the Ravens in special teams snaps, logging 372 this season. He played just 33 snaps on defense, so this would strictly be a move for a special teams role. It’s also an area of need for a Giants team that wasn’t very good in an area that Harbaugh views as fundamentally significant and important. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely signs a jersey for a teammate after cleaning out his locker after Baltimore's Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh. The free agent could end up in New York with John Harbaugh, playing for the Giants in 2026. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

We asked readers who the next Ravens coach should be after the team recently fired John Harbaugh. Baltimore is fast at work interviewing candidates to replace Harbaugh. Here are the results from our online poll: Klint Kubiak, Seahawks OC — 31.5% (354 votes) Jesse Minter, Chargers DC — 18.6% (209 votes) Brian Flores, Vikings DC — 12.9% (145 votes) Kevin Stefanski, former Browns coach — 11.2% (126 votes) Robert Saleh, 49ers DC — 6% (67 votes) Other — 5.4% (60 votes) Mike McDaniel, former Dolphins coach — 3.4% (38 votes) Anthony Weaver, Dolphins DC — 2.4% (27 votes) Matt Nagy, Chiefs OC — 2.2% (25 votes) Joe Brady, Bills OC — 2.1% (24 votes) Vance Joseph, Broncos DC — 1.8% (20 votes) Davis Webb, Broncos pass game coordinator and QBs coach — 1.3% (15 votes) Kliff Kingsbury, former Commanders OC — 1.2% (14 votes) Here’s what some fans have said about the Ravens’ coaching search (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Ray Lewis! — Connie The biggest need is for somebody who is strong in the defensive game. There are a lot of good candidates, but a defensive mind is what is really needed. — Mark Havelin This team needs a disciplinarian, aggressive figure. Brian Flores would fit the “Play like a Raven” mantra. — Joshua Valladares I like Kubiak to help make the offense sharper with more varied and well-designed plays, and hopefully he can coach AND call the plays like Sean McVay. Then they can put more money into finding a defensive coordinator like Jim Schwartz, who is proven and could get more out of the defense, especially when holding a lead! — William G. Shinham Mike Tomlin!! It would be hard for some parts of the fan base to accept, but they would soon forgive after winning, winning, winning!! — LeeRoy Ward I think the Ravens need a proven coach to step in while their Super Bowl window is still open. If Kevin Stefanski can be named Coach of the Year twice with a dumpster fire of an organization in the Cleveland Browns, imagine what he could do with a strong and proven organization like the Ravens. — Dale S. Mike Tomlin, of course. He would come to work and do his job! — Virginia Klint Kubiak or Brian Flores. — Eric Johnson Ed Reed or Ray Lewis. Make one the head coach and the other the defensive coordinator. — Kevin Campbell Hire Kubiak … It’s in the genes. He’ll be AMAZING in Birdland. — Jeannie Prevosto Flores as head coach, McDaniel as offensive coordinator and Weaver as defensive coordinator. — Brent Conover Someone good. — Kelly Traver The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll Related Articles With John Harbaugh going to Giants, which Ravens might he target? NFL coach matchmaker: Predicting landing spots for all 8 available jobs Giants, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh finalizing deal John Harbaugh interviews in person for Giants’ coaching vacancy Watch Episode 21 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law View the full article

The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing. With Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh departing the Steelers and Ravens, respectively, after being the longest-tenured coaches in the league, it’s a particularly active hiring cycle. Harbaugh appears to be the first domino to fall, reportedly finalizing a deal with the New York Giants after interviewing in person Wednesday at the team’s facility. That leaves eight remaining head coach openings. Who will fill them? Here are our predictions: Ravens Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator Why he fits: Minter’s profile is very similar to current Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, who also coached under both Harbaugh brothers with the University of Michigan and the Ravens before becoming a head coach. Minter completed an interview with the Ravens on Wednesday. Given how successful Macdonald has been in Seattle and with Baltimore seeking to reclaim its defensive identity after disappointing results under young coordinator Zach Orr, Minter makes a lot of sense as Harbaugh’s replacement. The 42-year-old’s defenses have ranked ninth and 10th, respectively, in defense-adjusted value over average in his first two seasons as an NFL play caller. Coaching is in his blood, too. His father, Rick, is a senior defensive analyst with the Chargers and was the head coach for 10 years at the University of Cincinnati. Why he might not fit: Minter has nearly 20 years of experience coaching in college and the NFL, but he’s never been a head coach. That’s not unusual, but with the Ravens replacing an 18-year veteran like Harbaugh, perhaps some familiarity as a program leader matters. And while Minter’s Harbaugh connections might work in his favor across the league, perhaps the Ravens are looking for a clean break from the famous football family and don’t want anyone associated with the Harbaugh coaching tree. There’s also the question of who Minter hires to lead his offense. Given how important that position will be in working with two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson, his answer could determine his viability in Baltimore. Pittsburgh Steelers Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator Why he fits: The Steelers will be hiring just their fourth coach since 1969, so longevity is a must. Shula, 39, could stick around for a long time given his background and previous success. The grandson of legendary coach Don Shula led the league’s No. 4 defense according to DVOA this season powered by a strong defensive front. The Steelers boast T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon and have long prided themselves on playing tough defense. Why he might not fit: While defense has routinely been a strong suit for Pittsburgh, the offense has been inconsistent ever since Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell departed. Quarterback has also been a revolving door, with Aaron Rodgers providing some stability in 2025 but his future uncertain at 42 years old. There’s no guarantee that Shula is interested in taking over a team without a legitimate quarterback already in place. If he is, there’s the question of who he’ll bring with him to run his offense. Given his background in the Sean McVay coaching tree, there should at least be some enticing options, including young head coaching candidate Nate Scheelhaase. Cleveland Browns Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator Why he fits: The Baltimore County native and Mount Saint Joseph graduate is already plenty familiar with the organization, having served as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator for three seasons. That familiarity with the Haslam family ownership and general manager Andrew Berry could elevate him to the top role, especially considering that the Browns’ defense has been among the league’s best under his direction while the offense struggled under previous coach Kevin Stefanski. Keeping Schwartz, who led the Detroit Lions to the playoffs once in his five seasons as coach, would at least ensure that one side of the ball is in good hands. Related Articles Giants, former Ravens coach John Harbaugh finalizing deal John Harbaugh interviews in person for Giants’ coaching vacancy Watch Episode 21 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens GM Eric DeCosta’s job is safe. He knows they have to own mistakes. Surprised but not shocked, Steelers prepare for life after Mike Tomlin Why he might not fit: For as good as Schwartz’s defenses have been with star pass rusher Myles Garrett leading the charge, the Browns won just seven combined games over the past two seasons. There’s also the longtime search for a franchise quarterback to consider, with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders still unproven coming off their rookie seasons and Deshaun Watson still under contract. Unless Schwartz can prove that he has a plan to find a quarterback and fix the offense, he might only be considered as a defensive coordinator. Arizona Cardinals Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator Why he fits: The Cardinals struck out by hiring a defensive coordinator from a Super Bowl staff with Jonathan Gannon. Why not try an offensive coordinator from one of the league’s most successful teams? Fans might remember Nagy’s Bears tenure mostly for the “double doink” playoff loss to the Eagles, but he went 34-33 in his four seasons in Chicago with Mitchell Trubisky and Justin Fields as his quarterbacks. For a team like the Cardinals that has made just one playoff appearance in the past 10 seasons, that resume might be attractive. Nagy’s background with Andy Reid and experience working with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City could appeal to Arizona, which must decide whether to keep Kyler Murray or begin a search for a new quarterback. Why he might not fit: For a team trying to sell its fan base on a promising new era, hiring a retread coach might not be the best move — especially in a division with Macdonald, Kyle Shanahan and McVay. Nagy is only 47, but his experience with the Bears could be held against him as proof that he’s not cut out to be a head coach. He also hasn’t called plays during his recent tenure in Kansas City, with Reid handling those duties. Atlanta Falcons Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator Why he fits: For a young and ascending defense that just brought in two standout rookies in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., Weaver could be the perfect coach to help take Atlanta to the next level. The 45-year-old former Ravens assistant has more than 10 years of experience coaching in the NFL and recorded 15 1/2 sacks as a defensive end with Baltimore and Houston. His expertise as both a player and coach is valuable, especially for a league skewing younger with head coaching hires who can relate to players. Why he might not fit: The Falcons talked with Bill Belichick before hiring Raheem Morris in 2024 and have been linked to Harbaugh. Maybe owner Arthur Blank wants a proven veteran as coach, and Weaver has no experience in the top role. Las Vegas Raiders Kevin Stefanski, former Browns coach Why he fits: The Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and will presumably take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They’ll need a coach who can develop him, and Stefanski fits the bill. In Cleveland, Stefanski made the playoffs with both 25-year-old Baker Mayfield and 38-year-old Joe Flacco. Early in his Browns tenure, his offenses consistently ran the ball well and relied on play-action passing. That would make life easier for a young quarterback. Ex-Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, shown on the sideline in December, is considered a candidate for several job openings. (Kirk Irwin/AP) As a time-time NFL Coach of the Year, Stefanski often outperformed expectations in Cleveland. Las Vegas needs to do more with less to have any hope of competing with the Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West. Why he might not fit: Stefanski’s offenses struggled in 2024 and 2025, though much of that was because of poor quarterback play, offensive line injuries and a lack of playmakers. Raiders general manager John Spytek and part-owner Tom Brady will have to decide whether Stefanski was undone by his circumstances in Cleveland and still has untapped potential. Tennessee Titans Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator Why he fits: The Titans have promising young quarterback Cam Ward, a new stadium coming and a respected general manager in Mike Borgonzi. In short, it’s an attractive landing spot. Kubiak is one of the hottest candidates this hiring cycle after helping lead Sam Darnold and the Seahawks to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Though Darnold led the league with 20 turnovers, Seattle ran the ball effectively behind Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet and produced the NFL’s leading receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,793 yards). Why he might not fit: There are several factors at play, but Darnold was one of the league’s worst quarterbacks down the stretch of the season. Whether that was opposing defenses figuring something out in Kubiak’s scheme or Darnold’s own weaknesses, it’s enough of a red flag considering that he’s only called plays for two seasons at the NFL level. Miami Dolphins Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator Why he fits: For a team that has faced questions about its toughness for years, especially in cold weather, Saleh could provide an exciting new culture. The Dolphins’ defense has some strong building blocks in Bradley Chubb, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, Jordyn Brooks and Kenneth Grant. It might even have more talent than what Saleh, 46, had down the stretch in San Francisco after the 49ers were ravaged by injuries, and they still went 12-5 and beat the defending champion Eagles in the wild-card round. While Saleh’s tenure as Jets coach was filled with disappointment, that was largely because of the offense’s ineptitude and Aaron Rodgers’ meddling. Saleh is a proven defensive coach who could be an effective program builder if given another chance. Why he might not fit: After seeing what life was like with a proven quarterback in New York, Saleh might not be eager to take over a team with a big question mark at the position. Tua Tagovailoa carries a $56 million cap hit next season, and it’s unclear whether star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and other high-priced veterans will be back. There are a lot of holes on the roster, and competing in the AFC East with Buffalo and New England will take some serious work. Have a news tip? Contact C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said Tuesday that one of the things that made it easier for him to fire John Harbaugh was that he wasn’t worried about the coach “landing on his feet” for his next opportunity. He also didn’t have to wait long to do so. Harbaugh is finalizing an agreement to become the coach of the New York Giants, according to multiple reports early Thursday morning. ESPN, which was the first to report the development, said that the deal is not final and that contract numbers still are being negotiated. Harbaugh, 63, replaces Brian Daboll, who was fired in November after a 20-40-1 record across three-plus seasons, including a 2-8 mark this season. Harbaugh, who was relieved of his duties on Jan. 6 after 18 seasons in Baltimore, is considered not just a significant upgrade but New York’s most prominent hire in decades. That the two sides came together relatively quickly was also not a surprise. The Giants have made the playoffs just twice over the past 14 seasons, with just one postseason win in that span. Harbaugh is the winningest coach in Ravens history, and his 180 regular-season victories rank 14th all-time. He also won a Super Bowl, coached Baltimore to a dozen playoff appearances, including four trips to the AFC title game, and had only three losing seasons with the Ravens, including this year after Baltimore finished 8-9 and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2021. By comparison, the Giants have had just three winning seasons since their Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots in February 2012. In that time, New York has cycled through six coaches since parting ways with Tom Coughlin in January 2016. The Giants and Harbaugh also immediately looked at each other fondly once he became available. Harbaugh has a long-standing relationship with the Mara family, including Giants co-owner, president and chief executive John Mara. John’s brother Chris, a senior personnel consultant with the organization, also flew to Baltimore to meet with Harbaugh on Sunday. On Wednesday, Harbaugh formally met with the Giants at their headquarters in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the two sides quickly consummated a deal. Aside from his ties to the Mara family, Harbaugh, a historian of the league, also views the Giants as a legacy franchise. They also have a roster with intriguing talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, who in 12 games as a rookie completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for 487 yards and nine more scores on 86 carries. In Baltimore, Harbaugh helped develop Lamar Jackson, one of the game’s most dynamic and prolific players, into a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player who, under offensive coordinator Todd Monken two seasons ago, became the first player to pass for over 4,000 yards and rush for at least 900 in the same season while also throwing a career-high 41 touchdown passes. Whether Harbaugh brings Monken with him to New York remains to be seen, but the veteran coach is not expected to be back with the Ravens, who are still searching for their next coach from more than 15 candidates. Related Articles John Harbaugh interviews in person for Giants’ coaching vacancy Watch Episode 21 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens GM Eric DeCosta’s job is safe. He knows they have to own mistakes. Surprised but not shocked, Steelers prepare for life after Mike Tomlin 3 takeaways from Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta It is also unclear how much Harbaugh will reshape the Giants’ staff, including on the personnel side, but he had a good deal of input on player decisions in Baltimore and is likely to have the same with New York and general manager Joe Schoen. More than anything, though, he will look to instill a culture of accountability and winning in a franchise that needs both. During his tenure in Baltimore, the Ravens had some of the best defenses in NFL history. His special teams expertise from his days in that role with the Philadelphia Eagles before being hired by Bisciotti in 2008 gave the Ravens a unique edge. His offenses adapted, too, from drop-back quarterback in Joe Flacco to the mobile Jackson and from a ball-control, run-heavy scheme to a more wide-open one that in 2024 became the first to have at least 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in the same season. Though his message had perhaps become stale and results regressed in recent years, he also had not lost the locker room in Baltimore and was a central figure in helping build an organization that many around the league have envied for its stability, consistency and commitment. The Giants weren’t the only team interested in Harbaugh. The Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans were both also in contact with Harbaugh and his agent, Bryan Harlan. In the end, though, New York, with a young roster that has some talent, a promising quarterback and the opportunity to lead one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises, was too appealing to turn down. Harbaugh, who was just the third coach in Ravens history, now becomes the 24th coach in Giants history and will look to restore them to their former glory. Baltimore and New York aren’t scheduled to face each other in the regular season until 2028. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

John Harbaugh interviewed in person with the New York Giants for their head coaching vacancy, according to a person familiar with the situation. Harbaugh was at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for most of the day Wednesday, the person said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team was not announcing its interviews. The Super Bowl-winning former Ravens coach is believed to be the Giants’ top candidate, but they are far from the only NFL club interested in his services. Harbaugh has also spoken to the Atlanta Falcons, who recently hired retired quarterback Matt Ryan as their president of football. Young QB Jaxson Dart, one of the biggest draws for New York coming off his impressive rookie season, was reportedly involved in meetings with Harbaugh. Dart threw for 15 touchdowns and ran for nine more in 12 starts. Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he would cast a wide net for the full-time replacement for Brian Daboll, who was fired Nov. 10 with the team off to a 2-8 start. Interviews of former Atlanta coach Raheem Morris and retired linebacker Antonio Pierce, who most recently coached the Las Vegas Raiders, satisfy the Rooney Rule for diverse external candidates and would allow the Giants to make any hire they choose at this point. View the full article

Episode 21 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman analyze Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti’s comments at Tuesday’s end-of-season news conference. Bisciotti explained why he fired longtime coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons with the team, while also sharing what he wants from the franchise’s next coach. You can watch the podcast weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Among the most direct disclosures of organizational thinking that emanated from Tuesday’s end-of-season news conference was Steve Bisciotti’s firm backing of general manager Eric DeCosta. “I think Eric is one of the best GMs in the league,” Bisciotti said. “I think he’s batting .800. I’m just making up a number for you, but I’m not going to look at Eric’s 200 whiffs. I’ll look at his 800 singles and doubles and home runs. To me, that’s fair. I’m very, very pleased with Eric.” DeCosta sat beside Bisciotti and let his owner do most of the talking. He wore a black sweater and firm demeanor, broken a few times by blushing cheeks or a toothy laugh. DeCosta called these past six months a “very disappointing season,” then picked apart a few ways the Ravens fell short. They were inconsistent from game to game, sometimes half to half. The pass rush didn’t put enough pressure on the quarterback. The offensive line didn’t jell in ways they expected. Everyone underachieved, DeCosta said, from the coaching staff to the scouting staff to the players. “I think it was across the board, and we have to own that, and I think we will,” DeCosta said. “We’re excited about it. We’ve been in this position before, many times over the last 30 years where we’ve had to rebuild and tweak and change and adjust and really look at ourselves and say, ‘What can we do better?’ I think it starts with me; it starts with the new coaching staff; and I think the players will be accountable as well.” There were, of course, factors out of Baltimore’s control. All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, the team’s sacks leader two seasons ago, suffered a season-ending injury that caused a ripple effect to the rest of the defensive front. Then Broderick Washington went down for the year and DeCosta traded away Odafe Oweh, who was sackless in five games as a Raven but hit double digits as a Charger between the regular season and playoffs. DeCosta traded for Dre’Mont Jones to inject juice but it wasn’t enough. By January, what was left of the Ravens’ pass rush ranked 30th in sacks, 28th in pass rush win rate and 29th in pressure to sack rate. DeCosta pointed out how better pressure could’ve alleviated some of the defense’s back-end issues that were a point of frustration down the stretch. “I think Madubuike is part of the reason why Kyle Van Noy went from [12 1/2] sacks to two,” Bisciotti chimed in. “I think it was a domino effect; I think it was a trickle effect. … And I think those offensive linemen didn’t improve. And so, when I said the coaches, that’s what I meant. I think that you can look at a lot of guys on our team that we had expected to take the next step that did not take that next step. And we’ve got to get to the bottom of that with coaching and scouting.” Outside of drafting third-round rookie Emery Jones Jr, who appeared in just five games, offensive line was one of DeCosta’s least addressed position groups. The team expected development for a front anchored by two Pro Bowl blockers (Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum) and a promising sophomore (Roger Rosengarten). That didn’t quite pan out. Lamar Jackson’s lack of mobility playing through injury only hurt their overall metrics. Baltimore’s front five finished the regular season 31st in pressure rate allowed, according to NFL analyst Sam Hoppen. Related Articles Surprised but not shocked, Steelers prepare for life after Mike Tomlin 3 takeaways from Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta Ravens’ rebuilding plan hinges on Lamar Jackson: ‘We want another window’ Josh Tolentino: Ravens are ready to negotiate. Lamar Jackson remains a wild card. | COMMENTARY Chargers fire ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman after playoff loss Tuesday was the first time DeCosta answered questions about his club since August. It was Bisciotti’s first in that formal setting since 2018. They were candid about what went wrong and issued a plan for how to rebound. That starts with Jackson’s contract. Whether the Ravens can strike a deal in the next two months will determine what’s possible. They hope to avoid what is currently set to climb from $43.5 million to $74.5 million this offseason, a value that would account for roughly one-quarter of the team’s cap space. Bisciotti and DeCosta put the ball in Jackson’s court. “We want another window, and Lamar knows that,” Bisciotti said. “I think he is amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal that he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s plug in your number in the same contract he signed [in 2023] and move on.” Bisciotti doesn’t want to hit free agency, which opens on March 11, with that contract hanging over their heads. He made that very clear to Jackson. DeCosta admitted they’ve been more reserved in free agency the past few years. He promised they will participate this spring and “we will trade for players.” Urgency is at an all-time high in Owings Mills. That starts with the coaching hire(s), then sorting out Jackson’s contract, and if they reach a team-friendly deal, building out the rest of a Super Bowl worthy roster. “I know that Eric has been very, very introspective about his failures and how they contributed to our dear friend being shown the door,” Bisciotti said. “And so, nobody’s harder on himself than Eric.” DeCosta’s job is safe. And Bisciotti is leaning on him to alleviate the pressure of the next coach and guide the transition process. “I think I can leave him alone for a while,” Bisciotti said. That is, as long as he continues to hit singles, doubles and a few roster home runs. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta, shown at Tuesday's news conference, says he'll use all avenues available to him to improve the roster ahead of next season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

PITTSBURGH — Art Rooney II sensed Mike Tomlin might be ready for a change. Nineteen years doing any job is a long time, let alone in the white-hot spotlight that comes with coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers. So when Tomlin walked into Rooney’s office on Tuesday and told his longtime boss he was stepping down after a largely successful run that included one Super Bowl victory, an appearance in another and 19 straight non-losing seasons, Rooney wasn’t shocked. “He was pretty clear about what his intentions were,” Rooney said Wednesday as the Steelers began the process of hiring just their fourth head coach since 1969. “We had a great conversation, and I understood where he was.” Rooney described the impetus behind Tomlin’s decision as “more family-related than football-related” and stressed the team was “certainly willing to make another run at it next year with Mike.” Tomlin went 193-114-2 in Pittsburgh, tied with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for the ninth most regular-season wins in NFL history. Tomlin arrived in Pittsburgh in January 2007 as a relative unknown 34-year-old defensive coordinator. He left as the longest-tenured head coach in major North American professional sports with a resume that will receive strong Hall of Fame consideration of its own, even if he never coaches another game. Whether that happens is anyone’s guess, though Rooney said it was his understanding that Tomlin does not intend to coach in 2026. A future in television, even if it serves as merely a breather before the 53-year-old married father of three returns to the sideline, could be in the offing. Rooney did not try to talk Tomlin out of the decision, saying instead that the club is “grateful” for the way Tomlin carried himself both on and off the field during what Rooney described as a “winning era” for one of the league’s most visible franchises. That era, however, ended with the Steelers in a rut. Their season-ending 30-6 loss to Houston in the first round of the playoffs on Monday night marked Pittsburgh’s sixth straight one-and-done postseason appearance, all of them by multiple scores. “I can’t explain the more recent history there,” Rooney said. “It’s hard to explain, given the overall track record. Frustrating for all of us, mostly for Mike.” Fans inside Acrisure Stadium didn’t hesitate to voice their displeasure at times this season, chanting “Fire Tomlin!” on multiple occasions, including in the waning minutes against the Texans. Asked if those playoff failures factored into Tomlin’s decision to walk away, Rooney demurred. He also declined to get into specifics about what might happen should Tomlin want to return to coaching in 2027. Tomlin exited while still under team control for two more years, with the club holding the option for 2027. During the rare occasions the Steelers have found themselves looking for a head coach, they often have been looking for a certain type. Noll, Tomlin and Bill Cowher were all defensive coordinators in their 30s when Pittsburgh plucked them from relative anonymity. They all left with at least one Super Bowl ring. It’s far too early in the process for the club to start whittling down the field for a job that figures to be among the most coveted of the nine current head coach vacancies in the NFL, considering the Rooney family’s track record of giving coaches ample time to find their footing. “Can I sign up for another Chuck Noll or another Bill Cowher or another Mike Tomlin or somebody that we feel fits that mold? [That] would be great,” Rooney said. Rooney essentially ruled out any of the staff Tomlin left behind — including offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has been contacted by Tennessee about its opening — from being a candidate to replace Tomlin, though it’s possible they may have an opportunity to stick around in some capacity if they mesh with the new hire. Whoever takes over will be given the same “the standard is the standard” mandate that Tomlin embraced, though it led to diminishing returns in his final years. “There will be changes, and we’ll have to all get comfortable with kind of the plans,” Rooney said. “Whether you call it a ‘rebuild’ or not, I don’t like that word that much. We’ll try to compete Day 1 if we can.” That plan seems unlikely to include Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old who helped guide the Steelers to the AFC North title will be a free agent in March, and Rodgers made it clear from the moment he arrived last June that Tomlin’s presence was the main reason he signed, a sentiment Rooney echoed on Wednesday. Rooney declined to put a timeline on a potential hire, though he expects it to be before the NFL combine in late February. The Steelers have the 21st overall pick in the draft, which they will be hosting for the first time. The club has long pointed to the draft as an opportunity to select its next franchise quarterback, something that has proven elusive since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement in January 2022. The discussion about the quarterbacks “will be an important one” when Rooney and general manager Omar Khan meet with prospective candidates. Whatever quarterback/coach combination walks onto the field at Acrisure Stadium next fall will be tasked with helping the franchise emerge from a decade of purgatory in which it has been good but not nearly good enough, and do so quickly. “I’m not going to say, ‘Well, we’re going to take a couple years to figure this out, and then we’ll try and compete,’” Rooney said. “So I think you try every year. Some years you have the horses to really get there, some years you don’t. But you try.” View the full article

On Tuesday afternoon, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta spent roughly an hour fielding questions about another disappointing end to a season that begot a head coach firing. Insights abound. Here are three takeaways: Harbaugh’s tenure ended with the ‘craziest firing in the world’ Bisciotti first spoke with DeCosta about the possibility of an organizational shake-up maybe three or four weeks before the season ended. The Ravens were down on the mat. Confidence waned in their ability to get up and reach the playoffs. It wasn’t until Baltimore’s heartbreaking Week 18 loss in Pittsburgh that Bisciotti was certain that it was time to move on from John Harbaugh. He woke up the morning after “pretty sure” he was going to do it. Bisciotti consulted front office members as well as several veteran players. A day later, he phoned his coach of 18 seasons. “I never dreamed of firing somebody by phone,” Bisciotti said. What followed, he later described half-jokingly as “the craziest firing in the world.” Bisciotti delivered the news and apologized for doing it over the phone. Harbaugh told him he had no reason to be sorry, saying, “You don’t owe me anything. You gave me 18 years. You picked a special teams guy. Who does that?” Harbaugh told Bisciotti he was equal parts happy and content and disappointed. Bisciotti started to get emotional. His fired coach consoled him. The call didn’t last very long. Some front office members previously pledged support for keeping Harbaugh, who coached Baltimore to a Super Bowl title and has the second-most playoff game appearances (24) of any NFL coach since 2008. This was ultimately Bisciotti’s choice. He listened to his gut, deviating from what some of his partners believed. By Tuesday, he was “pretty damn sure” that he would not come to regret the decision. Bisciotti followed up with Harbaugh two days after firing him. On a longer phone call, Bisciotti rehashed, in part, all the negative narratives of the past few years: blown fourth-quarter leads and playoff regression that labeled the Ravens “underperformers.” Seeing a sector of the fanbase’s online vitriol toward Harbaugh ate away at Bisciotti. The call wasn’t all doom and gloom. They shared plenty of success together but both knew it was time. “I felt it was the right time to make the change. If not now, when? I guess is what I’m saying,” Bisciotti said. “I thought, ‘If I’m already here, and my gut is telling me it’s time, why would I let John rebuild an entire staff?’ Because I’m going to be sitting here next year saying, ‘What the hell did I do last year? Last year was the time.’ So, it wouldn’t have been fair, because I think we had run our course. “The next coach we get, I want him to be a Super Bowl-winning coach, too. God bless him if he can rise up to the level John did and be staring at a gold jacket.” Baltimore isn’t pigeon-holing itself with this coaching search Within hours of Harbaugh’s firing, Hall of Fame coach turned broadcast analyst Tony Dungy posted on X that he simply did not understand Bisciotti’s decision. “He was fired????” Dungy wrote. “I’m sorry but I don’t understand. Good luck Baltimore in finding a better coach.” Bisciotti nearly called Dungy. Instead, he waited for Tuesday, in a room full of cameras and reporters, to push back. “I literally wanted to call Tony and say, ‘Do you remember John 18 years ago? How can you take our success and use it against me while we’re out trying to find the next John Harbaugh?’” Bisciotti said. “That’s impossible.” Related Articles Ravens’ rebuilding plan hinges on Lamar Jackson: ‘We want another window’ Josh Tolentino: Ravens are ready to negotiate. Lamar Jackson remains a wild card. | COMMENTARY Chargers fire ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman after playoff loss Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti’s exit plan? Win big and ‘get the hell out.’ Ravens owner ‘very intrigued’ by top coach candidates from previous cycles When the Ravens hired Harbaugh, he was a relatively unknown 45-year-old special teams coach in Philadelphia. Bisciotti took a chance on his first head coaching hire because he saw something in him. With his second hire, he isn’t necessarily holding out for the safe bet former head coach. Bisciotti, who is sitting out the initial round of Zoom interviews but will be part of the discussion for in-person meetings, said he won’t be turned off by losing records at previous stops. The Ravens group at the forefront of this decision — Bisciotti, DeCosta, president Sashi Brown and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome — are prepared for the possibility of backlash for hiring a coach who might have had a losing record at a previous stop. Among the eight candidates interviewed as of Tuesday, that could include Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury or former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, among others. Failure is not without circumstances. Ravens brass won’t let a coach’s first try negatively influence their shot at a second one if they believe that’s the right person for Baltimore. Beyond that, Bisciotti didn’t gush over the idea of an offensive wiz kid. He didn’t sound particularly invested in the idea of hiring a top-flight defensive coordinator ready to make the jump either. What about a retread head coach? “I really couldn’t care [less],” Bisciotti said. “We want leaders,” DeCosta chimed in. “We want the best leader we can find. We want somebody who’s going to hold the players accountable. We want somebody who’s an expert in X’s and O’s, and we want somebody who the players can relate to, but also somebody that’s going to be firm and continue the culture that we’ve build, which we think is important.” With this next coach, patience is a virtue Brian Billick was hired as head coach of the Ravens in January 1999. Two years later, he won a Super Bowl. Harbaugh was hired in 2008. Five years later, he delivered Baltimore’s second title. “Maybe I’ll give this guy six [years],” Bisciotti cackled. In all seriousness, he’s willing to be patient with a new coach trying to get this team to the big game in February. Bisciotti didn’t give a serious timeline. He was clear, both in his statement after relieving Harbaugh and again a week later, that championships matter above all else. “I think we have a roster that’s capable of it,” Bisciotti said. “I think we have a GM that’s capable of making that roster better on the fly, and yes, I’ll be patient to that point. I’d probably give him five or six years — as long as I like everything else I see in him.” Bisciotti has no interest in sitting at that same table inside the Under Armour Performance Center to field questions about another fired coach three or four years from now. A few of his owner peers around the league do that. To Bisciotti, “that’s hell on Earth.” So his plan, as of mid-January, is pick a coach they’re so confident in that they’re willing to grant a decent amount of patience. That will require a balancing act from organizational higher ups. They’ll act with urgency knowing the window of Lamar Jackson’s prime will only be open for so many more years. Jackson just turned 29 and he’s coming off the most disappointing season of his career, which was largely because of injuries. Derrick Henry isn’t getting any younger either. At 32, it doesn’t appear he’s slowing down, but eventually Father Time comes knocking. He’ll come for the 65-year-old Bisciotti too. Asked whether he intends to own the team 10 or 15 years from now, the jovial owner shouted, “I’ll be 80!” He decided 25 years ago the Ravens will not be passed down within the Bisciotti family. He doesn’t want to be in his 80s still vying for a championship like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He’d much prefer to “win a couple of Super Bowls and get the hell out.” Easier said than done. “I’d love that to be in the next 10 years when I’m 75. That’s my dream,” Bisciotti said. “If I have one of the top teams at 75, I’ll probably stay until 76. I’ll probably bail somewhere around 10 years from now when I have a really bad season or back-to-back seasons and he’ll [DeCosta] probably be coming with me. Right?” Bisciotti made light of organizational urgency. Truth is, expectations are sky high for whichever coach wins the most coveted job opening this offseason. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. View the full article