ExtremeRavens

We asked readers their confidence level in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter. The former Chargers defensive coordinator will be a first-time NFL head coach in 2026. Here are the results from our online poll: Very high — 36.9% (188 votes) High — 36.9% (188 votes) Somewhat high — 18.2% (55 votes) Low — 5% (15 votes) Very low — 3% (9 votes) Here’s what some fans have said about their confidence level in Baltimore’s new coach (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): He’ll only be as good as the team general manager Eric DeCosta provides him with. — Robert Moore I think fans will have to be patient with Jesse Minter as he, his coordinators, and coaches will have to grow into their positions. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, in particular, will have to fast track his development as he will call plays for an offense and quarterback with the most unique skill set in the league. But it helps that Minter and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver have a history, and a good one, with the organization. I am very confident Minter will consistently lead the Ravens into the playoffs. — Fran V. This looks like a very good hire by the Ravens’ organization. With that said, unless management and ownership get Lamar Jackson back in line, it won’t matter who the head coach of this team is no matter what John Harbaugh, DeCosta and even the owner has stated in the past, Lamar Jackson is a cancer in this locker room. Now even Minter is saying the right things by indicating that relationships take time to develop. This organization has a major problem with Lamar that everybody keeps avoiding and it better be dealt with urgency or Minter doesn’t have a chance. Harbaugh couldn’t be any happier that he got fired and away from this inner turmoil. — Bob Lancione It could not get higher! It’s the job he always dreamed of! He’s brilliant and a great listener and will and has proven himself over and over again. — Penny O’Connell Same as I had with Harbaugh, none. — Phil Hartman Confidence level is high. He has a vision, a plan I can see and is hiring staff strategically. — Peter Davis Great. He’s building a superior coaching staff. The Ravens are the only team in the AFC North that’s ready to move into the future. The Steelers went with an old school coach; no new wrinkles there. The Browns took the Ravens scraps; already been figured out and the Bengals stood still. I believe the Ravens will be the team to beat. — Jeff King Optimism? High. Confidence? Er … he’s a newbie HC who by all accounts is ready. I’m sure there will be a learning curve. — Will Hicklen ANYTHING IS AN IMPROVEMENT! — Scott Frank Pity is my thought. … He has been left with a mess. … Taking back power from Lamar won’t be easy and will take a long time before he can actually do his job. — Barbara Woolard Related Articles Joe Flacco on NFL physicality, penalties: ‘We signed up to get concussions’ What can the Ravens learn from this season’s Super Bowl teams? Recent mock drafts give Ravens additional offensive firepower in 1st round P.J. Volker had to choose between best friends in leaving Navy for Ravens Watch Episode 24 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law I don’t predict the NFL anymore. When the season started, the Ravens were the favorites, and now the Super Bowl is between New England and Seattle. Never saw that happening. — Kwaku Elliott Bennett The Ravens are going to be horrible for the next couple of years. — Frank Vincent I like the direction we’re going. It was time for a change. — Stephan Daskal Very high. — Chip Rosenberg 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 View the full article

Joe Flacco didn’t explicitly use the “S” word. But in a 150-second clip from an interview he gave on Super Bowl 60’s Radio Row, he accused the NFL of going soft. “The guys that are coming into the league nowadays, they’d look at me like I’m crazy,” he told ESPN’s Kevin Clark. “Like, what do you mean you want receivers to get laid out over the middle and you want guys to be able to land on you? I’m like, yeah, guys, that’s football.” At 41, Flacco is the second-oldest quarterback in the NFL, behind only Aaron Rodgers. He played 11 years in Baltimore and won a Super Bowl alongside one of the most physical linebackers in league history, Ray Lewis. For the first two months of the season, Flacco shared a quarterback room in Cleveland with two rookies, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, then was traded to Cincinnati to back up the ultra-competitive Joe Burrow. “I don’t think anybody coming into the league these days is quite as battle-tested as guys that came into the league 15 years ago,” Flacco said. “I think our generation does benefit from, you know, dealing with a little bit of tougher time, just like the generation 20 years before me benefited over us.” It was part of an impassioned diatribe. At one point, he referred to CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, as a “thing these days.” Flacco raised two fingers for air quotes. “But it’s football,” he said. “We signed up to play it.” He later said, “Listen, we signed up to get concussions. We signed up to get hurt. It is what it is. You might not like that, but that’s kind of what we did.” The crux of Flacco’s argument is that ticky-tack penalties can change the outcome of a game. Although he’s often a beneficiary, defenders shouldn’t be flagged 15 yards for slapping or landing on quarterbacks, he said. “It honestly annoys me because it affects games in a negative way at random times and they can call it or not call it,” Flacco said. “It needs to get out of the game.” Flacco went on to assert that tighter officiating on personal foul penalties has caused defenders to not play so aggressively for fear of ramifications. There were 25 roughing the passer penalties levied this past season, according to Spotrac, amounting to $334,134 in fines. That’s roughly half the amount of penalties and subsequent money owed in 2024. Kyle Van Noy was the only Raven charged this year. After Week 2, the NFL fined Van Noy $17,389 for landing his body weight on top of — you guessed it — Flacco. Van Noy, however, was not flagged in real time. In November, Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt was flagged (but not fined) for roughing the passer after burying Flacco. The old-school quarterback had the same thought process then as he does now: “That’s football.” The play flipped a third-and-8 at Cincinnati’s own 26-yard line to a first down close to midfield. Related Articles What can the Ravens learn from this season’s Super Bowl teams? Recent mock drafts give Ravens additional offensive firepower in 1st round P.J. Volker had to choose between best friends in leaving Navy for Ravens Watch Episode 24 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens’ Jesse Minter tested schemes on Madden. Now he’s an NFL head coach. Clark asked Flacco if any specific instances came to mind in which a player was penalized and Flacco benefited but thought, “Really? They threw a flag on that?” He didn’t have a specific example to share but let out an exasperated, “Yes.” During Flacco’s self-described rant, he also said that a good high school recruit can “kinda ride your way through college” knowing NFL teams will take a chance on potential. That wasn’t so prevalent when Flacco was drafted out of Delaware in 2008, he said. “I kinda came in as it was transitioning, so I still have that mindset,” he said. Penalties on what he deems “normal hits” have “changed the game a lot.” Some NFL fans on social media seemed to agree wholeheartedly. So did future Hall of Fame defensive end J.J. Watt and Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen. Flacco knows the NFL isn’t likely to agree or make changes based on his Radio Row interview. But as a longtime fan and veteran at the position, he was feeling a bit nostalgic for the sport’s brutality this week. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Sam appears as a host on The Sun’s “Early Birds” podcast. View the full article

Prognostication is a natural — and often futile — tradition on the sports calendar. In August, many of the smart folks who brave those waters scanned the slate of 272 regular-season NFL games and agreed that the Seahawks and Patriots were likely fringe playoff contenders. Sportsbooks agreed, giving each team 25-to-1 odds to win its respective conference — tied for the fourth-longest odds of any team to make the Super Bowl over the past 20 years. The Ravens, many thought, had a clear shot at the Super Bowl. They held 6-1 odds of playing football in February. What did the Ravens get wrong? And what can they learn from the two teams on the doorstep of immortality? Let’s start here: the Seahawks and Patriots each enjoyed rapid overhauls that might serve as a sign of what’s possible in Baltimore with a first-year coach. New England hired Mike Vrabel 13 months ago. He filled out a staff teeming with knowledge and experience. Then, alongside front office decision-makers, he gutted half the roster from a four-win team and patched together a group of high-upside, castoff free agents who embraced a “Warrior” rally cry (and yes, their softer schedule helped). They won 14 regular-season games and survived against two top defenses in the playoffs. Seattle hired former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in January 2024. In a matter of two years, he molded the NFL’s best defense and a top-three offense worthy of the NFC’s top seed. The Seahawks rediscovered their defensive roots and reaped career years from quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Like Baltimore’s Jesse Minter, Vrabel and Macdonald lean defensive expertise. A coach prioritizing that side of the football hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 2018, when then-Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s defensive masterclass held the Los Angeles Rams to a field goal. It’s happened three other times since 2008 — two of them were Belichick. Now, either Vrabel or Macdonald ending the drought should temper some hesitancies about the Ravens hiring a former defensive coordinator. There are more offensive head coaches than there are defensive ones. Plus, a coach who specializes on one side of the ball can only go as far as the coordinator managing the other side. See, Seattle’s Klint Kubiak, who was so good that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire him as their next head coach. And New England’s Josh McDaniels has coached in 10 Super Bowls calling offensive plays for the Patriots. In other words, there’s an equal mountain of pressure on the shoulders of 29-year-old, first-time play-caller Declan Doyle to get the most out of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and company. Another lesson: Front offices in Seattle and New England floated some cash in free agency. Related Articles Recent mock drafts give Ravens additional offensive firepower in 1st round P.J. Volker had to choose between best friends in leaving Navy for Ravens Watch Episode 24 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens’ Jesse Minter tested schemes on Madden. Now he’s an NFL head coach. Josh Tolentino: Ravens turned coaching search into competitive edge | COMMENTARY During last year’s free agency period, the Patriots doled out $364 million worth of contract value. A little less than one-third of that went to defensive tackle Milton Williams ($104 million). A not-so-insignificant chunk went to veteran wideout Stefon Diggs ($63.5 million). They upgraded at cornerback by giving $54 million to Carlton Davis III, and $43.5 million went to pass rusher Harold Landry III. The Patriots kept gambling and hitting on free agent deals that worked out more often than not. Seattle signed Sam Darnold for $100 million, accounting for just under half of their total free agency spending. The Seahawks replaced a veteran QB with another and it hit, while Geno Smith won three games with the Raiders. Elsewhere, Seattle spent $45 million on wide receiver Cooper Kupp and another $32.5 million for defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. As long as the Ravens can restructure Lamar Jackson’s projected $74.5 million cap each of the next two seasons, the front office should have some flexibility. If so, general manager Eric DeCosta promised to be more active in the free agent market. “We will participate in free agency,” he said, “and we will trade for players. “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; some good players, certainly — but having more money would be helpful, for sure.” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald speaks after Seattle's win in the NFC championship game. The former Ravens defensive coordinator has built one of the league's top defenses in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez) If the Patriots were the ones sitting at a roulette table placing chips on numbers all over the board, the Seahawks’ free agency might be better explained as the bettor who put half their pile on red. By comparison, the Ravens pushed coins into a slot machine. New England spent more money in free agency than any other team in the NFL ($364 million), according to Spotrac. The Seahawks were one of four teams to cross the $200 million threshold. Scroll all the way down the page to find the Ravens, at No. 31, spending $30 million. The only team that spent less than Baltimore was the reigning champion Eagles. Perhaps the Ravens make a play for Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo would be an instant upgrade on the offensive line. They should certainly be in the pass rusher market, too, possibly eyeing Chargers veteran Khalil Mack or Bengals star Trey Hendrickson. The list goes on. That conversation will build over the next month-plus. DeCosta sat for his year-end news conference and called 2025 a “very disappointing season.” Thus, the Ravens will watch Sunday night’s game from home like the rest of us. If they’re taking notes, perhaps next year they’ll be one of the final two teams standings. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Sam appears as a host on The Sun’s “Early Birds” podcast. View the full article

The Ravens have their coach and both coordinators. Jesse Minter will oversee the team and defense in 2026, and Declan Doyle (offensive coordinator) and Anthony Weaver (defensive coordinator) will help guide their respective units. So, what’s next for Baltimore as Minter puts the finishing touches on his coaching staff? Soon, the Ravens turn their focus to the NFL draft. Baltimore picks 14th in this year’s event, and it will spend the next few months narrowing its potential options in the seven-round draft. A few recent mock drafts suggest the Ravens could take an offensive skill position player in the opening round, rather than bolstering Minster’s defense. Here’s a look at how a few NFL draft experts predict the Ravens to pick in April: ESPN’s Matt Miller Miller has the Ravens picking a wide receiver in the first round, giving Baltimore Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. “The Ravens brought in defensive-minded Jesse Minter as their new coach, but that doesn’t lock Baltimore into a defender in Round 1,” Miller wrote. “This team lacks reliable options for Lamar Jackson outside of Zay Flowers — who has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons — and needs to diversify its passing attack. At 6-foot-3, Tyson would give Jackson the bigger-bodied target he needs. I’ve long been an advocate of expanding Jackson’s strike zone with bigger receivers as opposed to smaller, speedier targets.” Tyson started his career at Colorado before transferring to play for the Sun Devils. He eclipsed 2,000 career receiving yards over three seasons, and he has 22 career touchdown receptions. He hasn’t returned punts since 2022, but one of his four returns that season went 88 yards for a score. He’d give Jackson another playmaker on an offense that already includes Flowers and Derrick Henry, as well as Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews. Bucky Brooks, FOX Sports Brooks gives Baltimore its tight end of the future in this year’s draft in Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. The athletic freak will almost certainly go in the first round of the draft, but do the Ravens need a tight end? It’ll likely depend on what happens with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. If either or both walk, Baltimore will need depth behind Andrews. Sadiq has high upside. “Sadiq is a mismatch creator who would team with Mark Andrews, giving the Ravens the flexibility to use multiple tight end formations that helped the former MVP thrive as a passer in previous seasons,” Brooks wrote. The 6-3 and 245-pound tight end runs like a wide receiver. He brought in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, helping Oregon make the College Football Playoff and win a pair of playoff games. Related Articles P.J. Volker had to choose between best friends in leaving Navy for Ravens Watch Episode 24 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens’ Jesse Minter tested schemes on Madden. Now he’s an NFL head coach. Josh Tolentino: Ravens turned coaching search into competitive edge | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens make best of shallow DC candidate pool | COMMENTARY Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Not a skill player, but Zierlein gives the Ravens another offensive talent. He has Baltimore picking Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor. “Proctor’s play was a bit inconsistent in 2025, but he’s still a mashing run blocker with the ability to slide inside to guard now and eventually man either tackle spot,” he wrote. Baltimore’s offensive line was mediocre in 2025, allowing 45 sacks. Proctor, 6-7 and 366 pounds, could immediately help at guard, a position of need. Perhaps the team’s first step to getting the offense back on track is fixing the line. Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

P.J. Volker found himself in a very difficult position last week — having to choose between two of his best friends. Volker had to decide whether to join the staff of the Ravens, which are now led by a former college teammate and coaching colleague. Of course, the alternative was remaining as defensive coordinator at Navy under the man who has been the biggest influence on Volker’s coaching career. After much discussion with his wife Amanda and two daughters — Rosie and Ella — Volker elected to accept the position with the Ravens. He will join the staff of newly hired coach Jesse Minter, signing a contract on Monday to serve as safeties coach. “It was an incredibly difficult decision because of the affinity our family has for the Naval Academy and for Coach Newberry,” Volker said. “We sat down as a family and talked for a long time and really felt the stars aligned with this particular job at this particular time. We felt like this was something we really needed to do and go on a quest for a Super Bowl championship.” Two years ago, Volker turned down an opportunity to join Minter with the Los Angeles Chargers when Minter was hired as defensive coordinator by coach Jim Harbaugh. This opportunity was different because Volker’s family can remain in the Annapolis area and Volker’s two daughters — ages 10 and 9 — can stay at the same school. “I’ll have a longer commute, but we won’t have to uproot,” Volker said. Ultimately, Volker’s relationship with Minter was a critical factor. They first met as freshman football players at the Mount St. Joseph University, a Division III school in the Cincinnati suburbs. Minter was a wide receiver and Volker was an inside linebacker. They bonded over the course of four years and have been best friends ever since. As defensive coordinator at Indiana State, Minter hired Volker as linebackers coach. They both followed coach Trent Miles to Georgia State, ultimately coaching together for seven straight years. When Miles was fired and the entire staff was let go, Minter got hired as a defensive assistant with the Ravens, while Volker wound up working for Newberry when he was defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State. This is Minter’s first time as a head coach, and he called one of his best friends to help get the job done. However, saying yes to one friend meant saying goodbye to another. “It was really challenging because of the love and respect I have for both men,” Volker said. “It would be fair to say this is the only head coach I would leave Coach Newberry to join.” While reuniting with Minter was an important element, the fact it was the Baltimore Ravens was another. Volker followed the franchise closely during his seven-year tenure at Navy and was impressed by how well it has been run. “The Ravens are a premier organization in the NFL with an ultra-talented roster, great ownership and a wonderful fan base,” he said. “Obviously, now the team is being led by a spectacular head coach in Jesse Minter, for whom I have nothing but respect and admiration, confidence and trust.” Volker was out of work when he got hired by Newberry, with whom he had no prior relationship. He followed Newberry from Kennesaw State to Navy and was his top lieutenant. When Newberry got promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach, he elevated Volker as his replacement. Navy vs. Holy Cross FootballPaul W. Gillespie/Capital GazetteNavy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker, shown in 2023, had a successful stint with the Mids and was hesitant to leave for a new opportunity. His connection with Jesse Minter convinced him to leave Navy for a job with the Ravens. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff) “I am forever grateful for what Coach Newberry has done for my career. All he’s ever done is believe in me, encourage me and support me since Day 1,” Volker said. “I’m forever indebted to Coach New, who has been a great friend and true mentor. He has put me in positions to succeed and grow and taught me so much.” Newberry called a team meeting on Monday afternoon during which he addressed the players then allowed Volker to do so as well. The fourth-year head coach acknowledged having mixed emotions about losing Volker, which he described as a “tough blow.” “I’m excited for P.J. and his family. This is a unique opportunity that P.J. felt like he could not pass up. I don’t think he would have taken just any NFL job,” Newberry said. “On a personal level, P.J. is one of my very best friends. We’ve been together for 10 years so this is tough for me in that regard. It’s going to be tough to not have him just down the hall and seeing him every day.” Navy football has seen minimal staff turnover over the past 24 years with previous coaches Paul Johnson (2002 to 2007) and Ken Niumatalolo (2008-2022) rarely having assistants depart. Volker is the first member of the staff to leave voluntarily since Newberry took over in 2023. “I think P.J. is elite at what he does, so obviously it hurts professionally. He’s irreplaceable in terms of what he brings to the table in a lot of different ways — not just calling plays, but his energy and what he pours into these players and coaches,” Newberry said. What’s next for Navy at defensive coordinator? Now Newberry must begin the process of identifying a new defensive coordinator or assistant. Newberry did not rule out calling the defensive plays himself, saying “that is something on the table for sure.” It is also possible Newberry could promote one of the current defensive assistants to coordinator, as he did with Volker. Jerrick Hall holds the title of defensive running game coordinator, while Eric Lewis is the defensive passing game coordinator. Outside linebackers coach Ricky Brown is the special teams coordinator. If Newberry chooses to go outside the program to find a defensive coordinator, he could consider coaches that previously worked for him at Kennesaw State or Navy. Kevin Downing, who was Newberry’s original defensive line coach, is currently the associate head coach at Virginia. “It’s premature to comment on what I want to do. I’m taking time to really think through this and there are a lot of moving parts,” Newberry said. “I don’t have a timeline. I’m not in any kind of hurry. There is no reason to rush into anything.” While the coordinator may be gone, the rest of the Navy defensive staff remains intact and Newberry is grateful to have such a strong group of coaches. “I know this — we have a tremendous defensive staff in place. All the guys in that room are outstanding and many have been in this system for a long time, being together a long time,” Newberry said. “They work really well together and I don’t want to disrupt that chemistry, which is really important to me.” Ultimately, the defensive system Newberry installed when he was hired as Navy defensive coordinator in 2019 will remain in place. While the staff is always tweaking and evolving it, the “system is the system,” he said. Related Articles Navy women’s basketball senior Maren Louridas excels as the captain of captains Navy men’s basketball beats Loyola Maryland, 87-71, to continue strong start Former Navy two-sport standout Xavier Arline signs pro lacrosse contract Navy men’s lacrosse cancels season opener because of extreme cold Navy football snipe Eli Heidenreich invited to NFL scouting combine “There are a lot of great football coaches out there and there is a ton of interest in this job. Ultimately, it’s got to be the right person and the right fit for the Naval Academy and this program,” Newberry said of the next hire. Meanwhile, the Ravens announced that Anthony Weaver had been hired as defensive coordinator on the same day the news broke that Volker would be joining the staff. Volker said Monday night that he had not yet spoken to Weaver, but was looking forward to doing so. Volker was 36 years old when he joined the Navy football staff. He really had no idea what a service academy was all about and has come to greatly appreciate the mission. Helping teach and mold future officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps has been rewarding and humbling, he said. “It’s hard to articulate how much this Naval Academy experience has been for me and my family. It’s been an absolute honor and a blessing to coach here,” Volker said. “My guiding principles as coach were that I wanted to go somewhere that football was important and where I could make a difference in people’s lives. This place checked both boxes. I leave as a better man having been associated with all the great men and women of this institution.” Have a news tip? Contact Bill Wagner at bwagner@capgaznews.com, 443-534-0102 and x.com/@BWagner_CapGaz. View the full article

Episode 24 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. The hosts discuss the introductory news conference for new Ravens coach Jesse Minter and what’s next for Baltimore. Preston and Coleman were also joined by NFL agent Tony Agnone, who discusses the challenges of contract negotiations. 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

On a makeshift set in Owings Mills, just a few years ago, the third coach in Ravens history unknowingly sat across from his eventual successor and interviewed him on the qualities that shape successful coaching. John Harbaugh occupied stage right, with a microphone fastened to his “Winning Football” T-shirt. At stage left was Jesse Minter in a Jordan Brand Michigan polo. Between them: a large insignia for The Harbaugh Coaching Academy. It was a prescient, 20-minute interview between two coaches who go back a long way. Minter, who coached in Baltimore from 2017-2020, was about 10 years old when his father, Rick, took the head coaching job at University of Cincinnati and retained Harbaugh on his staff as special teams coordinator. “I owe your dad my career for sure,” Harbaugh smiled. At one point, he called Rick “the foremost defensive coach in college football for a long time.” So one of his first questions for the younger Minter was how much of the football X’s and O’s did he learn while watching dad do it at a high level? “He’s the complete foundation of what I knew defensively,” Minter said. By junior high school, Minter was introduced to the intricacies of football and its accompanying rules. Back then, he couldn’t differentiate between Cover 2 and Cover 4 defenses. Then in high school and during his playing days at Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio, Minter took more of an interest in the sport’s schematic nuance. And he put it to practice. Although, maybe not in the obvious way. Minter would make note of a concept his dad was employing with the Bearcats then take it home and test out packages playing the Madden video game. “As crazy as it sounds, you start to say, ‘OK, I learned this from him, I’m gonna try this on the video game,’” said Minter, who will now call defensive plays for the Ravens. “Nowadays, [for] young people, that’s really an intro into the schematic side of football. Pick your coverages, pick your plays.” Minter and Harbaugh dug further into several topics, including the then-Michigan defensive coordinator’s career path and building a culture within a program. That last one, Minter said, “I think I learned [that] here as much as anywhere.” He waxed poetically about how sound football starts with coaches and players all being on the same page, be it through the language of the playbook or the flexibility of shared ideas. In the years since, he’s repeatedly credit those four years in Baltimore as being the equivalent of a football master’s program. In 2017, Minter joined a Ravens defensive staff led by Don “Wink” Martindale and he worked alongside Mike Macdonald, another rising star now in Seattle coaching for a Super Bowl. They rebuilt Baltimore’s defense by scrapping leftover language and building what proved to be a bruising group, at one point the best in football. Related Articles Josh Tolentino: Ravens turned coaching search into competitive edge | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens make best of shallow DC candidate pool | COMMENTARY Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as new defensive coordinator Ravens hiring Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker as safeties coach Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator: source Minter went and did something similar in Ann Arbor, winning a national championship in 2023. Then again flipping the Chargers from a bottom-third defense to a top-third group. “We talk about our language,” Minter said, “and it’s every detail of how we want our guys to play defense. We want to have a very, very specific encyclopedia of words.” With Harbaugh, he spelled out the four pillars: block destruction, ball disruption, effort and angles to the ball and communication. In every Minter defensive meeting at Michigan, he dedicated the first five minutes to showing what the quartet looks, feels and sounds like. Or, conversely, examples that could use some refining. He saw that as a more beneficial use of their time than a bland install of blitz packages because “good teams and bad teams have called the same defenses” and yielded opposite results. Culture was a prominent talking point in the interview. Harbaugh called it a “big word,” that’s easy to say and tough to make real. The way Minter explained it, which offers some perspective into how he’ll steer the ship in Baltimore, is that players drive the culture and coaches ensure it doesn’t go off the rails. Togetherness is a sticking point for Minter. He used the word 11 times at his introductory news conference. It’s an obvious point of emphasis as Minter inherits a Ravens team that, in 2025, spoke frequently about their shortcomings being a result of disjointed plans – not doing their “1 of 11,” as they called it. That’s something Minter can’t refine playing Madden. But relationship building and culture molding has been key to his success in prior stops. On a video posted by the team account, Minter called it his secret weapon. Harbaugh said in the coaching academy interview, “Guys loved you” in Baltimore. The former Ravens coach began their sit-down flashing a toothy smile, introducing his eventual replacement as a “former Raven.” But, he said, “once a Raven, always a Raven” — a more literal line all these years later. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Sam appears as a host on The Sun’s “Early Birds” podcast . Ravens coach Jesse Minter, shown at his introductory news conference, used to play video games to test out defensive plays and schemes. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) View the full article

The Ravens interviewed 20 head coaching candidates this offseason. No other NFL team came close. The size of Baltimore’s search reflected owner Steve Bisciotti’s dynamic hiring approach: gather pertinent information first, then make one of the most important decisions in recent franchise history. The Ravens still possessed apparent urgency throughout, but they also understood the stakes. With a two-time NFL MVP quarterback still in his prime and a roster built to contend immediately, the Ravens treated the interview process as something to be studied and obsessed over. After all, Baltimore was widely viewed as the league’s top opening. General manager Eric DeCosta described the team’s process as his own two-week draft. Of the record-tying 10 teams with coaching openings, Baltimore conducted the league’s most expansive search, ultimately narrowing its focus to three finalists: Jesse Minter, new Bills coach Joe Brady and new Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. It opened the team’s brass to nearly two dozen respected football minds, each offering an external evaluation of the Ravens’ roster, schemes and blind spots that surfaced too often throughout a disappointing 2025 campaign. For a franchise coming off a season in which the defense strayed from its longtime standard, allowing too many chunk plays and struggling to close games, those conversations possess tremendous value moving forward. “[We had] the chance to talk to a lot of people and gather as much information as you can,” DeCosta said. “There is a great value to an organization to go through that process this way. It was time consuming. It [required work] from a lot of people. A lot of people that were very, very involved. We learned a lot, and we had a chance to canvas a wide net and talk to the very, very best people in the NFL.” Other NFL general managers might’ve preferred to concentrate solely on a new leader during an introductory news conference, but DeCosta acknowledged the value in the Ravens’ broader hiring practices. Before Buffalo tabbed Brady to replace Sean McDermott, the Ravens hosted the former offensive coordinator in Owings Mills. That gave Baltimore’s decision-makers a rare opportunity to receive a direct assessment from the opposing sideline on one of the most jarring games of the season. In Week 1, the Ravens witnessed a commanding fourth-quarter lead evaporate as Josh Allen and the Bills stormed back in an improbable comeback that left Baltimore stunned. Brady had coached against Baltimore’s defense through that epic collapse. His perspective was undoubtedly valuable. Other offensive coaches the Ravens interviewed included Mike McDaniel, Klint Kubiak, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy, Davis Webb and Nate Scheelhaase. Alongside Minter, the Ravens interviewed a deep bench of defensive gurus including Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, Jim Schwartz, Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, Anthony Campanile and Weaver. That depth helps explain how the Ravens were able to move quickly to secure Weaver as Minter’s next defensive coordinator on Monday afternoon. Weaver interviewed for five openings and emerged as a finalist with the Ravens, Steelers and Cardinals. By the end of the process, five of the 20 candidates Baltimore interviewed (Minter, Saleh, Kubiak, Brady and Kevin Stefanski) were hired or are expected to be hired across this cycle’s vacancies. Another three assistants were either promoted or received contract extensions. Baltimore’s dedicated approach followed the departure of John Harbaugh, the winningest coach in franchise history. Harbaugh delivered sustained success and stability over 18 seasons, but it became clear to owner Steve Bisciotti that change was necessary after two consecutive years of postseason regression, culminating in a 2025 season in which Baltimore missed the playoffs entirely despite a wide-open AFC field that did not include Patrick Mahomes. Across the AFC North, the Browns interviewed 10 candidates before settling on former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, while the Steelers interviewed nine before hiring Mike McCarthy. Both are fine hires. But Baltimore interviewed double the number of candidates and as a direct result, walked away with twice the amount of firsthand insight. Related Articles Ravens’ Jesse Minter tested schemes on Madden. Now he’s an NFL head coach. Mike Preston: Ravens make best of shallow DC candidate pool | COMMENTARY Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as new defensive coordinator Ravens hiring Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker as safeties coach Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator: source Last offseason provided an even deeper reminder of how differently organizations approach these critical moments. The Cowboys interviewed just three external candidates after parting ways with McCarthy, then handed the job to Brian Schottenheimer. The Ravens spoke with nearly seven times that many coaches before making its decision. Quantity doesn’t always rule, but Bisciotti has great instincts and is the founder of Aerotek, the largest privately owned staffing and recruiting firm in the U.S. Bisciotti was not made publicly available during Minter’s introductory news conference last Thursday, instead sitting in the front row as the pomp and circumstance unfolded. But afterward, as former Baltimore Sun and ESPN reporter Jamison Hensley began a live standup outside the team’s headquarters, the Ravens’ owner briefly interjected, offering an unscripted glimpse into his thinking. When asked why he hired Minter, Bisciotti replied: “I didn’t. Eric did. I approved it. I can tell those two are going to work really well together. [Minter] stood out. We got some good candidates out there, but he stood out. So we’re really happy with him.” Said team president Sashi Brown: “We’re at an important time for our locker room. We know we have the talent to go out and pursue championships now. When we set out to find our new coach, we wanted to make sure that we were very serious about bringing a great leader, but also a great person to this organization, to our locker room, and we found that in Jesse Minter.” Now, Minter becomes the franchise’s fourth coach, empowered to establish his own leadership style while benefiting from the intel Baltimore gathered throughout the search. Of course, none of this guarantees success. But if Minter works as well as many inside the organization believe he’s capable of, the Ravens will have given themselves a familiar advantage inside the AFC North. While other franchises moved quickly or slowly with less direction to resolve their openings, Baltimore separated itself and invested in understanding the full landscape first. That’s easy to take for granted. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. Josh appears as a host on The Sun’s “Early Birds” podcast. View the full article

When new Ravens coach Jesse Minter declared last Thursday that he was going to call the defense, he unintentionally limited the type of talent that was available at defensive coordinator. The proven coaches like Cleveland’s Jim Schwartz were going to be unavailable because they wanted to put their signatures on the defense. The same can be said for former Ravens safety Jim Leonhard, who became the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator. Leonhard had previously served as the Denver Broncos assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator. So, basically, the Ravens were either going to hire a young assistant to absorb everything possible from Minter before potentially becoming a head coach, or select an older coach who no longer had head coaching ambitions. On Monday, the Ravens hired Anthony Weaver as their new defensive coordinator, who can be best described as a “tweener.” The 45-year-old assistant isn’t as young as Minter, 42, but isn’t quite as old as Joe Cullen, 58, the Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach who was one of the favorites to take the job here. “So grateful to coach Minter, [Ravens general manager] Eric DeCosta and [owner] Mr. [Steve] Bisciotti for this incredible opportunity,” Weaver said. “Baltimore holds a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to get to work and give the Flock a reason to Rock.” It’s an intriguing matchup, this Minter and Weaver combination. Usually, coordinators are allowed to select one or two position coaches, and it’s not known if Weaver will have that opportunity, but he will be more than just a “yes man.” That’s not his style. Weaver is his own man, and he showed that during his four seasons playing with the Ravens as a second-round selection out of Notre Dame in 2002. When the Ravens lost, a lot of the media went to Weaver because he was logical and precise. More importantly, he understands the defensive work ethic here in Baltimore having played for the Ravens until he signed as a free agent with Houston in 2006. In those days, the Ravens also had one of the better run defenses in the NFL anchored by Weaver, nose guard Kelly Gregg, middle linebackers Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and outside linebackers such as Adalius Thomas, Peter Boulware, Cornell Brown and Jarret Johnson. With that group, everyone had to hold their own and be held accountable, a word that is missing in the Ravens’ locker room. It is interesting, though, that Weaver returns to Baltimore because he was passed over twice for defensive coordinator jobs. Former Ravens coach John Harbaugh had an opportunity to hire Weaver two years ago in Baltimore, but passed on him as well as current New York Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Both were interviewed for the Giants’ open position before Harbaugh selected Wilson. The Ravens eventually hired Zach Orr, and that didn’t work out well, especially in 2025. The Ravens were ranked No. 30 in pass defense, allowing 247.9 yards per game, and No. 24 in total defense, giving up 354.5 yards a contest. As for sack specialists, the Ravens didn’t have one. Defensive end Tavius Robinson had 4 1/2 sacks and rookie outside linebacker Mike Green had 3 1/2. The bunch was extremely ordinary. It will be interesting to see how the past connections flow. The Chargers have some ideal pass rushers available in free agency in Khalil Mack and former Ravens edge Odafe Oweh. Will Weaver have much say in those possible deals? Related Articles Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as new defensive coordinator Ravens hiring Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker as defensive assistant Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator: source READER POLL: What’s your confidence level in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter? Could Ravens be headed for an international game in 2026 season? The experience factor, though, should pay off well for the Ravens. Despite having worked for both Harbaugh brothers, younger brother Jim in Los Angeles and older brother John in Baltimore, Minter is a first-year head coach. Ravens new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, 29, has never called plays in a game despite working for Ben Johnson in Chicago and Sean Payton in Denver. The Ravens needed experience. Besides playing for seven years, Weaver has had coaching stints with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns as well as serving as the Texans’ defensive coordinator in 2020. As for the last two seasons as the coordinator in Miami, no one can hold that against Weaver. Miami had been soft for years and its run defense was abysmal and finished ranked No. 27. The passing defense was No. 18, allowing 216.4 yards per game. Weaver, though, came up during some good times in Baltimore. He was first hired as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2021, and later promoted to assistant head coach in 2022. So, he knows about the work ethic in Baltimore and was with current Seattle coach Mike Macdonald when he was the coordinator in Baltimore. Right now, after watching the past two seasons, that has a lot of meaning in town. He appears to be a good fit, and hopefully will get a head coaching job soon. Overall, not bad for a “tweener.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

The Ravens are hiring Anthony Weaver as their new defensive coordinator. Weaver will work alongside new coach Jesse Minter, who will call the defensive plays. Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff has to say about the hiring of Weaver: Brian Wacker, reporter It seemed only a matter of time before Anthony Weaver landed back with the Ravens. A finalist for their head coaching job and a popular candidate this cycle, he brings a familiar and respected presence to fill in the gaps alongside first-year head coach and defensive play-caller Jesse Minter. Among Weaver’s responsibilities will be game planning, scouting and working with the defensive line. A former defensive end who is as charismatic as he is tough, he also knows how to command a room, so he should have no problem leading defensive meetings, something he has experience doing after two years as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator and one year in the same role with the Houston Texans. Though Weaver was passed over twice before under previous Ravens coach John Harbaugh, first for Mike Macdonald then for Zach Orr, Harbaugh, like everyone else in the building, had high praise for Weaver and viewed him as a potential head coach. Now, he’ll be the Yang to Minter’s Yin in trying to restore the identity and production of a once-proud and feared defense that had slipped significantly the past two seasons. Sam Cohn, reporter I’d be lying if I said my brain went to anything other than that one viral clip of Weaver when he was coaching in Miami, deadpanning, “All of our problems that we need to solve can be solved through violence.” Weaver was a popular name this coaching cycle who landed outside the final list of head coaching hires. He interviewed for multiple head jobs, including in Baltimore. After Minter took a swing on a 29-year-old first time play caller to manage the offense, this feels like a safe bet for the other coordinator role. Minter will call the plays defensively. So it makes sense he’d choose someone who he already had a connection to, who shares his vision and could articulate the Raven way. That’s Weaver. He overlapped with Minter in Baltimore during the late 2010s and at 45 years old, is older than both Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Baltimore’s defense lost its way in 2025. Perhaps Weaver can help fix that with football violence. Josh Tolentino, columnist Welcome back to Baltimore, Anthony Weaver. It’s a familiar phrase following last week’s greeting for Jesse Minter, and now Weaver rejoins the flock as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Weaver interviewed for five head coaching openings this cycle, and was one of three finalists in Baltimore. This is a clear floor-raising hire. Weaver brings deep familiarity with the organization and he will play a key role in helping a defense that needs straightening after the unit faltered in key moments over the past two seasons under former defensive play-caller Zach Orr. Weaver, 45, won’t call plays, a responsibility that belongs to first-year coach Jesse Minter, 42, but his influence will be felt in weekly game planning and maximizing the talent already on the roster with Baltimore devoting a healthy amount of resources toward the defense. The level of collaboration between Weaver and Minter looms especially large for a pass rush that slipped terribly this past season; Baltimore finished with just 30 sacks, third fewest in the NFL. Weaver was an in-house candidate to replace Mike Macdonald in 2024, but former coach John Harbaugh opted to promote Orr instead. With Harbaugh and Orr both gone and Weaver returning to the Castle, the Ravens appear hopeful that Weaver’s experience as a former Baltimore defensive end (2002-2005) and assistant coach (2021-2023) can help stabilize a group that lost its edge, while allowing Minter to set the vision and scheme from the top. Bennett Conlin, editor The move makes a ton of sense. Weaver is a longtime defensive assistant with a deep understand of Baltimore’s organization, and he’s likely going to be a head coach one day in the near future. He’ll immediately bring stability and experience to what’s looking like a star-studded defensive coaching staff. Related Articles Ravens hiring Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker as defensive assistant Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator: source READER POLL: What’s your confidence level in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter? Could Ravens be headed for an international game in 2026 season? Baltimore Sun to launch ‘Early Birds’ podcast Feb. 12 on Orioles, Ravens Minter didn’t need someone to call plays, but Weaver has the chops to do so if Minter ever wants to delegate that task. Weaver is an ideal hire to help design game plans and develop players throughout the course of a season. After the Ravens struggled to rush the passer in 2025, they’re bringing in a coordinator with playing and coaching experience along Baltimore’s defensive front. The move checks a bunch of boxes as Minter looks to fix a talented but inconsistent defense in 2026. I love Minter’s coordinator hires, and his biggest future concern might be losing Declan Doyle and Weaver to head coaching opportunities. Have a news tip? Contact Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article

New Ravens coach Jesse Minter continues to fill out his staff and he didn’t have to go very far for his latest hire. Navy defensive coordinator and linebackers coach P.J. Volker is expected to join Baltimore as a defensive assistant, a source with direct knowledge of the move confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. The Athletic was first to report the news. That Volker, 36, is coming to the Ravens is also not surprising. The two were teammates at the College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio), coached together at Indiana State and Georgia State and have been close friends for years, with each in the other’s wedding party. Volker also previously turned down an opportunity to join the Los Angeles Chargers and Minter in February 2024 and had put together a solid resume as the Midshipmen’s defensive coordinator over the past three seasons. That included in 2025 when Navy finished 11-2 and with a 35-13 win over Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl to end the year ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches polls. Along the way, Navy’s defense held its final three opponents under 300 yards of total offense, something it hadn’t done since 2020. Defensive tackle Landon Robinson was named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with 6 1/2 sacks in 11 games. Volker, of course, also has plenty of familiarity with Minter’s defensive philosophy. “He would stand up on Friday nights before the game when we’re meeting with the defense and talk about how he saw the game unfolding,” Volker said after Minter was hired earlier this month. “More times than not, it was spot on. “There’s no doubt in my mind he was destined to be a head coach in the NFL. He’s ready for this opportunity. I think everybody that’s been around him knew this was gonna happen, it was just a matter of when.” Volker also called Minter a “great listener.” Now they’ll get to work together once more. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as new defensive coordinator Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator: source READER POLL: What’s your confidence level in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter? Could Ravens be headed for an international game in 2026 season? Baltimore Sun to launch ‘Early Birds’ podcast Feb. 12 on Orioles, Ravens View the full article

New Ravens coach Jesse Minter is hiring a familiar face to be his defensive coordinator. Ex-Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator and former Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is coming back to Baltimore, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. Weaver, 45, was a finalist for the Ravens’ head coaching job and returns to the city after two seasons running Miami’s defense. He was previously passed over twice for Baltimore’s defensive coordinator role under prior coach John Harbaugh, but brings plenty of experience and a voice that has long been respected on the field and in the building. Tough but charismatic, the former NFL defensive end spent four years with the Ravens as a player, three as an assistant and with Minter being a first-time head coach who will call the defensive plays Weaver’s traits should mesh well among a staff that has trended toward the younger side so far. Minter, who was a defensive assistant with the Ravens from 2017 through 2020, hasn’t previously worked directly with Weaver, their coaching careers in Baltimore missing each other by a year. Weaver replaces Zach Orr, whose two seasons in Baltimore were marked by inconsistencies and defensive lapses. This past season, the Ravens’ defense ranked 24th with 354.5 yards allowed per game. They also ranked 31st against the pass for the second straight year and only two teams had fewer sacks. Weaver’s defenses in Miami, meanwhile, were up and down. After finishing in the top 10 in yards and points allowed in 2024, the Dolphins ranked 22nd in total defense, allowing an average of 348.8 yards per game. That included a run defense that was 26th with 132.4 yards allowed per game. Still, those struggles were viewed at least in part because of larger symptomatic problems within a Dolphins team that struggled to a 7-10 mark. Weaver was also one of the more popular head coaching candidates this cycle, landing interviews with the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons and had gotten second interviews with the Cardinals, Ravens and Steelers. Weaver became available after Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was fired and replaced by Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Related Articles Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Anthony Weaver as new defensive coordinator Ravens hiring Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker as defensive assistant READER POLL: What’s your confidence level in new Ravens coach Jesse Minter? Could Ravens be headed for an international game in 2026 season? Baltimore Sun to launch ‘Early Birds’ podcast Feb. 12 on Orioles, Ravens A seven-year NFL veteran as a player, Weaver joined Baltimore’s coaching staff in 2021 as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach after serving as the Texans’ defensive coordinator in 2020. During his time in Baltimore, the defensive line was consistently among the league’s best, particularly against the run. A 2002 second-round draft pick by the Ravens out of Notre Dame, Weaver also played three seasons for the Texans before joining the coaching ranks in 2010 as a graduate assistant at Florida under coach Urban Meyer then as linebackers coach at North Texas in 2011. He then spent time as a defensive assistant with the New York Jets (2012), Buffalo Bills (2013) and Cleveland Browns (2014-15) before joining the Texans as their defensive line coach in 2016 and eventually being promoted to defensive coordinator. Though Minter, who was the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons, will call the plays for Baltimore, Weaver will be expected to help turn around a defense that often faltered and was one of the NFL’s worst this past season. He will also lead defensive meetings as well as assist with game planning and scouting, among other responsibilities. His hire is the latest as Minter continues to build his staff. Among the positions he has filled so far are Declan Doyle from the Chicago Bears to be his offensive coordinator, Dwayne Ledford from the Falcons as offensive line coach and Mike Mickens from Notre Dame as secondary coach/pass game coordinator. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens got their guy in Jesse Minter. Baltimore’s new coach was introduced last week and has begun filling out his staff, hiring Declan Doyle as his offensive coordinator and Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator. What is your confidence level in Minter? We want to hear from you. After you vote, leave a comment and we might use your take in The Baltimore Sun. The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To read the results of previous reader polls, click here. View the full article

The NFL announced on Monday its return to Spain with a multi-year agreement for regular-season games to be held at Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium – home to Real Madrid Football Club – beginning this year. It’s one of eight International Series games already slated for next season. Other locales include one game each in Melbourne, where the Los Angeles Rams will be a host team; Paris, where the New Orleans Saints will be a host team; Rio de Janeiro; and Munich, with three games scheduled for London. Whether the Ravens will be one of the teams to play an international game has still yet to be announced. But with nine road games, including one against the Atlanta Falcons, who have already been designated as a host team for an international game, there is at least a chance Baltimore could be tapped. The reasons range from quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson being one of the most popular players in the league to the fact that the Ravens last year were awarded international marketing rights to the United Kingdom as part of the league’s Global Markets Program. “We have talked to the league,” team President Sashi Brown said during last year’s owners meetings. “We also know there’s a large demand for the Ravens, generally, and Lamar and the growth internationally is something that we embrace fully.” The last time the Ravens played overseas was in 2023, when the Tennessee Titans were a host team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Baltimore won, 24-16, on the strength of six Justin Tucker field goals. That marked just the second international game for the Ravens, who also played the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in 2017. The Jaguars won in a rout, 44-7. With Baltimore only playing eight games at newly renovated M&T Bank Stadium next season, it’s also unlikely they would lose one of those dates as a host team for an international game, meaning that one of its away opponents would almost certainly be a host team. Related Articles Baltimore Sun to launch ‘Early Birds’ podcast Feb. 12 on Orioles, Ravens Josh Tolentino: Ravens don’t play it safe with OC Declan Doyle. That’s admirable. | COMMENTARY Ravens’ Nnamdi Madubuike says ‘good news,’ but injury status still unclear Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Declan Doyle as new offensive coordinator Ravens hiring Bears’ Declan Doyle, 29, as offensive coordinator The Ravens’ road opponents for 2026 include the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys. They will also have their usual AFC North road games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, though it’s rare for the league to have division foes play outside the United States given the high-stakes (and high-revenue) nature of those contests. Baltimore’s U.K. marketing rights deal also doesn’t necessarily guarantee a trip to London for 2026. Although there’s a long-established established U.K. Ravens fan group, the team has similar ones all over, from Germany to Spain to Mexico to Australia, among other corners of the globe. NFL Network also averaged 6.2 million viewers, per Nielsen, across six international games this past season, representing a 32% jump from 2024 to the highest average to date. Put another way, the league will only continue to expand its global footprint. The NFL’s full schedule will be announced in May. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

To quote Orioles play-by-play voice Kevin Brown, quoting Samuel L. Jackson, “hold on to your butts” — The Baltimore Sun sports staff is starting a podcast. We’re calling it “Early Birds.” Because jokes are funnier when you explain them: It’s a play on The Sun and the Ravens and the Orioles and the fact that you (the listener) will wake up twice a week with a new episode at your fingertips. Orioles beat reporter Matt Weyrich will host the show alongside Ravens reporter Sam Cohn and columnist Josh Tolentino, with new episodes posting Mondays and Thursdays beginning Feb. 12 to kick off spring training. The trio will give Baltimore sports fans an insider perspective on their favorite teams with spirited commentary and an occasional joke at the Yankees’ expense. This is a busy time in Baltimore sports. The Orioles made a splash in free agency. The Ravens have a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. Both pro teams in town underperformed in 2025 and enter 2026 wearing rally caps. Let’s talk about it. “Early Birds” will offer exclusive access inside the clubhouse and locker room from reporters who are on the ground for every game, practice and press conference. Episodes will feature interviews with players and coaches, breakdowns of the biggest moments and reactions to breaking news in real time. The podcast will be available in video and audio formats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow along @SunEarlyBirds on all social media platforms. This is a new venture. So, if you have feedback or if there’s something you want to hear us chat about, please reach out! Our email is earlybirdspod@baltsun.com. About the hosts Matt Weyrich has covered the Orioles and major sporting events in the region since January 2024. The Northern Virginia native previously covered the Washington Nationals and Capitals for NBC Sports Washington and Monumental Sports Network, respectively, after graduating from James Madison University in 2019. Sam Cohn covers the Ravens and Orioles while chasing distinctive feature stories around Maryland. Also reporting on the University of Maryland and the Olympics, he joined The Sun in 2023 as a Harford County High School sports reporter. If he’s not at a game, he’s probably at a coffee shop. Sam grew up in Massachusetts, graduated from Temple University and came to Baltimore from The Philadelphia Inquirer. Josh Tolentino is a sports columnist for The Baltimore Sun. Josh covered the Philadelphia Eagles for The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Dallas Cowboys for Advance Local. He previously covered the NFL and MLB for The Athletic, and also worked at The Kansas City Star and Chicago Sun-Times. View the full article

The Ravens could have played it safe. After hiring new coach Jesse Minter, Baltimore could have prioritized experience and proven play-calling at offensive coordinator. The Ravens could have dipped back into their coaching candidate pool and found their next offensive leader. They did not. Instead, they hired Declan Doyle, a first-time NFL play-caller the same age, 29, as quarterback Lamar Jackson, and placed the future of their offense and much of Jackson’s prime in Doyle’s hands. A source with direct knowledge confirmed Friday evening to The Baltimore Sun that the Ravens are hiring Doyle to join Minter’s staff as offensive coordinator. These consecutive hires reveal the franchise’s posture at a critical moment. With Doyle joining the flock, consider this a huge bet on a recent youth movement in Baltimore and that hyper-modern offensive thinking and projection can unlock more consistency from a unit that too often stalled despite its talent. The Ravens have proven to be an explosive bunch, but untimely mistakes have drowned Baltimore like a backpack full of bricks in the deep end. Doyle inherits an offense with no shortage of high-end options. Jackson remains the most important centerpiece, joined by running back Derrick Henry, tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Zay Flowers. Doyle also boasts an existing relationship with three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, a pending free agent, thanks to their Iowa roots. Doyle’s challenge is to turn that collection of offensive star power into a group that is more reliable, especially in moments that demand precision and timely execution. During Minter’s introductory news conference Thursday, he noted how he wants the Ravens to be at their best “late in the season,” a direct acknowledgement of his predecessor John Harbaugh’s failures from the past two years. The Ravens are hoping Doyle can bring some of that coaching juice he enjoyed in Chicago. The Bears, coming off a commendable run to the NFC divisional round, finished the 2025 season ranked ninth in points per game and sixth in total offense. Meanwhile, the playoff-less Ravens finished 16th in total offense. Although Doyle did not call plays, he worked extensively in game planning and quarterback development under coach Ben Johnson, including close collaboration with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams impressively topped 225 passing yards in 10 games this past season. Jackson reached that mark just twice. Yep. Just twice. That contrast in offensive consistency extends beyond yardage. Despite logging 441 more snaps across four additional starts than Jackson, Williams was sacked just 24 times. Jackson was taken down 36 times, marking the second-highest sack total of his eight-year career. For Doyle, reducing unnecessary exposure while preserving Jackson’s creativity will be one of the most delicate and important balances to strike. The differences were just as stark among the pass catchers. In Chicago, the Bears spread production evenly across the offense, with four players finishing with more than 650 receiving yards. Baltimore never came close to that balance. Flowers was the only Ravens pass catcher to eclipse 425 yards. Flowers and Andrews also were the only two Ravens to record more than 30 receptions all season, while the Bears had seven players reach that mark. Related Articles Ravens’ Nnamdi Madubuike says ‘good news,’ but injury status still unclear Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Declan Doyle as new offensive coordinator Ravens hiring Bears’ Declan Doyle, 29, as offensive coordinator Ex-Ravens QB Joe Flacco makes Pro Bowl for 1st time in his 18-year career How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? Expanding involvement and creating dependable options beyond just Flowers will be essential if the Ravens want to create a more diverse and sustainable passing attack. Nowhere is that need more urgent than in the red zone. Baltimore regressed sharply inside the 20 last season, finishing 27th in red zone touchdown percentage. As for ball security, the Ravens’ skill players had 20 fumbles compared with Chicago’s 13. Can Doyle right the offensive ship and get Jackson back to MVP form? Sure, he’s the NFL’s youngest offensive coordinator, but Doyle is at least arriving with reinforcements. Minter’s offensive staff is expected to include Dwayne Ledford, who is reportedly being hired away from Atlanta. Ledford, 49, is widely regarded as one of the league’s top offensive line coaches and run game coordinators. His presence should provide some balance and grounding for a young coordinator and first-time play-caller who inherits an imposing force in Henry. Additionally, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles requested permission to interview Doyle for their previous offensive coordinator vacancy before he withdrew his name from consideration. It’s a nod to Doyle’s rise among the coaching ranks. Doyle also brings valuable seasoning from his time working under Sean Payton, first as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints and later as the Denver Broncos’ tight ends coach. Doyle’s five combined seasons under Payton offered him exposure to quarterback-centric systems and Payton’s known ability to evolve his offense. Not a bad mentor to have in your back pocket as Doyle takes on the biggest challenge in his career. Pairing a first-time coach with a first-time play-caller is by no means a conservative path. It’s an admirable move with plenty of risk. And for an offense that’s struggled to stay afloat, the Ravens are counting on Doyle to provide the lift. 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

For the first time in months, Ravens injured defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike has spoken. “Good news,” he posted on X on Friday afternoon. What it means for the two-time Pro Bowl selection, however, is still not entirely clear. Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury in a Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. “A lot of that is things he needs to address with you guys in his time,” then-coach John Harbaugh said in late September when asked if he was worried it could be career threatening. “I really can’t speak for him, wouldn’t want to. Those are questions that would be best answered by him going forward.” Whether Madubuike’s post means he will be able to return for next season, or if it even pertains to the injury, is unknown. The sixth-year former third-round pick did not immediately respond to messages for comment, nor did his agent. General manager Eric DeCosta when asked earlier this month at the team’s season-ending news conference about the status of Maduibuike also did not shed further light on the situation. “I can’t really discuss that, obviously,” he said. “I will say, not having Nnamdi this year was a horrible situation for our team. I think it affected us in different ways — in many ways. He is a great player, a great person, a special person. “Still working through a lot of his different ideas and things [so] that we can hopefully get more and more information about his situation. But more than that, I think just — I couldn’t talk about the specifics of him and his situation.” Should Madubuike be able to return next season, that would be a big boost, both for a defense that struggled significantly this past season and for new coach Jesse Minter. Baltimore ranked 24th in yards per game (354.5), 28th in pass rush win rate (30%), per ESPN analytics and its 30 sacks tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. Having Madubuike back would surely help. In 2023, his 13 sacks led all interior defensive linemen. He followed that with 6 1/2 sacks in 2024 and had 2 through two games in 2025. His return would also add some much needed depth up front alongside the ascending Travis Jones and veteran John Jenkins, each of whom Baltimore signed to extensions during the season. Madubuike also signed a four-year, $98 million extension in 2024. But whether he will be still remains a mystery for now. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles Instant analysis: Ravens hiring Declan Doyle as new offensive coordinator Ravens hiring Bears’ Declan Doyle, 29, as offensive coordinator Ex-Ravens QB Joe Flacco makes Pro Bowl for 1st time in his 18-year career How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command View the full article

The Ravens are hiring Declan Doyle to be their next offensive coordinator. The 29-year-old spent the 2025 season as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator, but he wasn’t the team’s play-caller. He’ll join Baltimore and call plays for quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2026, taking over the job previously held by new Browns coach Todd Monken. Here’s what The Baltimore Sun’s sports staff has to say about the addition to Jesse Minter’s inaugural coaching staff: Brian Wacker, reporter The youth movement is on in Baltimore. First, it was 42-year-old Jesse Minter, who is a first-time head coach and checks in five years younger than what was the average age of NFL head coaches at the start of the 2025 season. Now, here comes 29-year-old Declan Doyle, the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL. He had the same role with the Chicago Bears, but was never going to be calling plays as long as head coach Ben Johnson is there. Doyle is also the same age as Lamar Jackson, so the Ravens’ newest play-caller should have no problem connecting with the quarterback, something that Minter made a point to say is an important characteristic for his assistants as he puts together a staff. In addition to Doyle’s work with helping transform Chicago’s Caleb Williams into a nearly 4,000-yard passer with 27 touchdown passes and seven interceptions this season, he also worked under Sean Payton both in Denver and with the New Orleans Saints. That’s a pretty good tree to come from in terms of offense, particularly for the first-time play-caller who also has ties to the University of Iowa. Now it will be up to Doyle to help deliver on Minter’s goal of elevating Jackson to the “best version of himself” while also keeping him on schedule and taking some of the pressure to do everything off the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Sam Cohn, reporter It’s a bit surprising that Minter’s offensive coordinator hire — the person responsible for maximizing Lamar Jackson and looking after what was once the most potent offense in football before backsliding in 2025 — would be someone who didn’t call plays at their previous stop. Doyle, 29, is the youngest OC in the league and has just seven years of NFL coaching experience. Ben Johnson called plays in Chicago, but that’s not a bad coach to learn from. For Minter, that clearly wasn’t disqualifying with this youth-movement hire. Doyle still played a major role in resurrecting the Bears’ offense from the bottom of the league to near the top. He helped Caleb Williams enjoy a breakout Year 2. And Minter made it clear that he was looking for both “schematic expertise” and a “relationship builder.” It’s just funny that the 29-year-old Doyle and Jackson are the same age. Josh Tolentino, columnist Jesse Minter hinted he was in the final stages of hiring his coordinators Thursday during his introductory news conference. Just over 24 hours later, Minter and the Ravens made a splash by bringing in 29-year-old offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Doyle will be a first-time NFL play-caller, a reality the Ravens clearly embraced as they reshaped their staff around Minter. His age stands out as the youngest coordinator in the league; he’s the same age as franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. After overseeing second-year quarterback Caleb Williams in Chicago, Doyle is now tasked with helping a two-time NFL MVP return to his dominant form. Doyle worked closely in game planning and player development under Bears coach Ben Johnson, and he also boasts five years of experience working underneath Sean Payton in New Orleans and Denver. During his time with the Saints, Doyle also overlapped with current Lions coach Dan Campbell. Notably, Baltimore wasn’t the only team after Doyle’s services. The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles requested permission to interview him for their previous offensive coordinator vacancy before Doyle withdrew his name this week from consideration, signaling that he was selective, and that the Ravens were not alone in viewing him as a rising offensive mind. Doyle arrives in Baltimore already with the backing of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, an important relationship that could play a significant role in Linderbaum signing a contract extension this offseason with the Ravens. Linderbaum, an Iowa native like Doyle, attended the University of Iowa, where Doyle’s father Chris was a longtime strength and conditioning coach. That type of support should help in a locker room that just said goodbye to 59-year-old Todd Monken. C.J. Doon, editor On the surface, this is an exciting hire for Baltimore given the unknown possibilities. At just 29 years old, Doyle has his whole career ahead of him and provides a little more juice than a retread coordinator such as Kliff Kingsbury. But that’s also what makes this move a little worrisome. All we have to learn from is Doyle’s experience in Chicago as the OC under Ben Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in the game. How much credit does Doyle deserve for his work with Caleb Williams in helping Chicago become an NFC contender this past season? The Iowa native is now stepping into a bright spotlight as the play-caller for Lamar Jackson. Fans will expect immediate results from an offense that has been near the top of league when Jackson is healthy. How will Doyle handle that kind of pressure? New coach Jesse Minter deserves credit for trusting in a young assistant for such a big role. We’ll see if it pays off. Related Articles Ravens’ Nnamdi Madubuike says ‘good news,’ but injury status still unclear Ravens hiring Bears’ Declan Doyle, 29, as offensive coordinator Ex-Ravens QB Joe Flacco makes Pro Bowl for 1st time in his 18-year career How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command Bennett Conlin, editor I like the Ravens’ thought process of hiring a rising star with experience working under Sean Payton and Ben Johnson. While he’s yet to call plays, Doyle is highly regarded by both Payton and Johnson, and he helped design game plans for a much-improved Chicago offense in 2025. There’s no doubting his schematic background, but my No. 1 concern is how he’ll lead a unit with so much star power. It’s one thing to call plays, but it’s another to command respect from Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Ronnie Stanley. If he can get the stars on board with his coaching philosophy, the sky is the limit for Baltimore’s offense in 2026 and beyond. But if there are any cracks in the relationship — like there seemed to be with Jackson and Monken in 2025 — it’ll handicap the Ravens’ ceiling. Doyle faces a lofty challenge in trying to take an offense from good to great, especially in postseason play. Coaches often view challenges as opportunities, though. For a young coach looking to make his name in the NFL, there are few better opportunities than leading the Ravens’ offense. Can Doyle help lead Baltimore and Jackson to a Super Bowl? That’s going to be the expectation from fans and ownership in the coming seasons. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

New Ravens coach Jesse Minter is hiring Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to be Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. Doyle replaces Todd Monken, whom previous coach John Harbaugh had hired in 2023 and is now the coach of the Cleveland Browns. Next to Minter, the position is perhaps the most important — and scrutinized — on the coaching staff. Doyle will also have plenty of talent to work with, from quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson to running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver Zay Flowers, both of whom were Pro Bowl selections in 2025, among others. Doyle, 29, is viewed as another rising young assistant in NFL circles. He’s the youngest offensive coordinator in the league. Though he was the Bears’ offensive coordinator this past season, he did not call the plays under first-year coach Ben Johnson. Doyle helped transform quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears into a potent offense after spending two years as the Denver Broncos’ tight end coach. Before that, he spent four years as an offensive assistant for the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton. In replacing Monken, he’ll also look to revive an offense that was at times historically great. In 2024, the Ravens became the first team to pass for at least 4,000 yards and rush for 3,000 in the same season. Their 424.9 yards per game were tops in the league and their 30.5 points per game ranked third that year. But the offense took a step back in 2025 while Jackson missed four games because of injuries. Though Baltimore was second in the league in rushing, the Ravens ranked 15th in yards (332.2) and 10th in scoring (24.9). They also were one of the worst teams at scoring touchdowns from the red zone after leading the league in 2024. Now it will be up to Doyle to turn that around. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Jesse Minter will call the defense. What about the offense? | COMMENTARY Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY View the full article

After one of the worst statistical seasons of his 18-year NFL career and a 2-8 record as a starter, Joe Flacco is also a Pro Bowl selection for the first time. Wait, what? Yes, the 41-year-old former Ravens quarterback was named an AFC Pro Bowl participant Friday as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. With several AFC quarterbacks declining to participate in this year’s Pro Bowl Games (Lamar Jackson was named an alternate in December), it opened the door for Flacco to play in Tuesday’s event. Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders also made the event this week as a late addition despite a mediocre 2025 campaign that included more interceptions (10) than passing touchdowns (seven). Flacco, who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory during the 2012-13 season, started 10 games in 2025 for the Browns and Bengals. He passed for 2,479 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His QBR of 41.1 is the second-lowest of his career, with only his 2022 season with the Jets (36.1) being worse. While his numbers weren’t great, Flacco faced adverse situations this fall. His opening stint with the Browns came with a dysfunctional offense that ultimately led to the firing of coach Kevin Stefanski. Former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken will replace Stefanski in 2026, as the AFC North franchise seeks stability and offensive improvement. The Browns traded Flacco within the division after Flacco started four games for them. The Bengals made the move after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury. In Cincinnati, Flacco was tasked with filling in for the Bengals’ superstar on short notice. He had minimal time to learn the Bengals’ playbook, but still threw for over 300 yards on two separate occasions, including a league-high 470-yard performance against Chicago. Cincinnati scored 30 or more points in three of Flacco’s six starts, but only went 1-2 in those games as the Bengals’ defense was one of the NFL’s worst. Flacco enters the 2026 offseason as a free agent. He said on a recent episode of the BMore Football Podcast that he still loves the game and anticipates playing in 2026. He’ll likely land somewhere as a veteran backup or a possible starting option for a quarterback-needy team. Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. Related Articles How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Jesse Minter will call the defense. What about the offense? | COMMENTARY Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY View the full article

On Thursday, the Ravens formally introduced new head coach Jesse Minter. Among those in attendance in Owings Mills were the usual throng of family members, front office executives, a gaggle of staff and roughly two dozen former and current players. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson was not one of them. Jackson, of course, was hardly alone. Only a handful of current players were in the audience, with defensive tackle Travis Jones the most prominent. As another example, All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, the highest paid player at his position in the NFL, and Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith were also among those absent. It is, after all, the offseason, Jackson prefers to retreat to his home in South Florida this time of year and things ended earlier than expected and in frustratingly familiar fashion for the Ravens, who finished 8-9 to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021. That, and more importantly recent postseason futility, led to John Harbaugh’s firing, which led to Minter’s hiring. While Jackson was nowhere to be seen on Thursday, Minter did say, however, that he has already had “multiple” conversations with the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player in the week since he has been hired. The 42-year-old first-time head coach and former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator praised for his ability to connect with people also said that he is interested in helping Jackson “become the best version of himself, creating a team identity that allows him to thrive, which he’s already proven to be one of the best players in the National Football League.” “It’s been great to get to know him,” Minter said. “I think relationships take time. And so, you don’t become the head coach of the Ravens and expect to have a deep relationship with anybody. Those take time. We’ve been working towards that already. We’ve had wonderful conversations, look forward to many, many more.” How those conversations manifest to results on the field will play out in the months ahead and will also largely hinge on who Minter hires as his offensive coordinator. Over the past three years, Todd Monken held the job before Harbaugh was fired and Monken went on to become the Cleveland Browns coach. During their time together, Jackson won a second NFL MVP Award after the 2023 season and a year later posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdown passes (41). But this past season, things seemed to hit a wall. Jackson suffered myriad injuries, including to his hamstring, knee, ankle and toe, and missed four games. He also asked that certain quarterback run plays not be part of the game plan, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation, and had in most ways the worst year of his career. Questions percolated about the relationship between the quarterback, Harbaugh and Monken. Though the latter two said that they had no issues with Jackson, and Bisciotti said that Jackson told him he had no problems with either, it was clear a schism had developed. Ravens coach Jesse Minter was greeted by past and present Baltimore players during his introduction Thursday. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) Things were only exacerbated by the fact that over Jackson’s eight seasons, Baltimore has won just three playoff games and never advanced beyond the AFC championship game. He, like the team around him, has often regressed when the stakes have been at their highest as well, with 10 touchdown passes alongside 11 turnovers in eight games. Simply put, as one source said of the regime change, “it was time.” One of Minter’s biggest tasks, then, will be to keep Jackson engaged off the field and on schedule on it, have him get the ball out quickly and utilize the dynamic talents that have propelled him to becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks while also improving exponentially as a passer. Brilliant as he is at freelancing, it’s also tough to be consistent when doing so. Put another way, the Ravens also go as Jackson does and it will be up to Minter, along with those he surrounds himself with, to reach the player he reverently calls the best in the sport. Minter and Jackson, of course, are also not strangers. Minter was in his second year as a defensive assistant in Baltimore when the Ravens drafted Jackson in 2018. A year later, Jackson took over as the full-time starter, Minter was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach and the quarterback won his first NFL MVP Award in coordinator Greg Roman’s offense. In 2020, Minter was promoted to defensive backs coach before heading to Vanderbilt and then Michigan and then the Chargers for defensive coordinator jobs. Related Articles 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Jesse Minter will call the defense. What about the offense? | COMMENTARY Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needed to reimagine Jesse Minter. Then he hired him. So what kind of coordinators and assistants are Minter seeking as he zeroes in on those decisions in the coming hours and days? “I’m looking for leaders and connectors and relationship builders and schematic expertise,” he said. “But most importantly, guys that the players believe in. [Coaches] that are willing to dive deep and build really strong relationships with the players. “I think [we will excel] when they feel that it’s collaborative, and they feel that it’s ours and not just the coaches, and [don’t think that] this is what the players do, and this is what the coaches do. It’s all of us.” No one more so than Jackson. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Players past and present shuffled into an auditorium Thursday morning in Owings Mills, where the Ravens formally introduced Jesse Minter as their new head coach. The team laid out a literal purple carpet. Minter snapped photos and, at one point, allowed some emotion to seep through when thanking his family. It was a red letter day in the history of Ravens football. Here are three takeaways: Nearing coordinator hires On Jan. 22, the Ravens hired Minter as the organization’s fourth coach. Within a few days, he solidified two hires of his own: defensive backs coach Mike Mickens and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. The early returns on both are that Minter snagged two of the sport’s preeminent minds at those positions to address groups that faltered in Baltimore this past season. That’s all well and great, but what matters more right now — and what will more directly impact Minter’s success — is who he chooses to fill coordinator positions. Minter declined to reveal any names but said that those searches are “going well” and “far along.” There’s a chance Baltimore has one or multiple coordinator spots filled by the weekend, as Minter tries to get his affairs in order and hit the ground running. Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb and Lions wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery are two names reportedly in the mix as potential Ravens offensive coordinators. As for the defense, Minter confirmed that he will be calling the plays. In the search for his right hand man, the Ravens requested to interview Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard as a potential defensive coordinator. Leonhard played in Baltimore for one season in 2008. The Ravens also completed an interview with Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen. “I’m looking for leaders and connectors and relationship builders and schematic expertise, but most importantly, guys that the players believe in,” Minter said. “[Coaches] that are willing to dive deep and build really strong relationships with the players. I think [we will excel] when they feel that it’s collaborative. “It’s all of us, so I’m excited about the people involved in those searches right now, and I look forward to sharing those in the near future.” Players were involved in the decision. To what degree, we don’t know. General manager Eric DeCosta described the hiring process as a two-week sprint. He likened it to the draft with a much shorter runway, in which Ravens luminaries fielded near constant calls. Related Articles How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? Josh Tolentino: Ravens’ Jesse Minter will call the defense. What about the offense? | COMMENTARY Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needed to reimagine Jesse Minter. Then he hired him. Involved in that process, DeCosta said, was a small group of players split evenly among offense and defense. None of which were named specifically. They tried to pick all veteran players to be involved, virtually or in person. “We had some guys on Zoom, and we had some guys that were in person, and they met with all the finalists,” DeCosta said. “So, over the last week of the process, they met with all the candidates that were coming in, and I can also say that some of our players are still involved in the process and will be involved with the process as it pertains to coordinators and other hires as well, which we’re excited about. Their opinion was valuable and very helpful.” Over the past week, Minter has had conversations with Lamar Jackson and Kyle Hamilton. He called Jackson “the best player in the National Football League” and described Hamilton as “a weapon on defense.” Thursday’s news conference did not reveal much in the way of details about player involvement in the decision to hire Minter. But there was a leadership group dialed in, and some of the players are voicing their opinions as Minter builds his staff. Chain of command isn’t changing John Harbaugh made waves when, upon being ousted in Baltimore and promptly hired in New York, he took his uncommon organizational structure with him. The head coach and general manager both report to one person: the owner. It worked in Baltimore for many years with Harbaugh and DeCosta each reporting to Steve Bisciotti. Bisciotti recently downplayed the dynamic, saying that if there was ever a standoff, a hands-off owner could be the tying vote but that a standoff never occurred. The Ravens won two Super Bowls that way, DeCosta pointed out, “and we believe in that system — working together, fighting together and figuring things out together.” The Giants are getting used to that change with Harbaugh. The Ravens plan to keep that dynamic status quo with Minter. “I think it’s a partnership with Eric and I, and that’s really what I was looking for in this whole process was a partnership and somebody that you really, really trust,” Minter said. The decision to maintain a similar power structure says as much about Minter as it does the Ravens’ belief in how they operate. When Harbaugh texted Minter, “they should hire you,” perhaps he knew they’d be a good fit in that respect. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. View the full article

New Ravens coach Jesse Minter made one thing especially clear Thursday. The defense is his. Minter confirmed during his 25-minute introductory news conference that he will call plays on defense, continuing the hands-on approach that’s helped define his rise from defensive assistant in Baltimore to one of the NFL’s most respected young defensive minds. It was a decisive answer, and quite frankly, an expected one. A bigger issue still remains. What about the offense? That uncertainty hovered inside the team’s Owings Mills headquarters after Minter finished shaking hands, posing for photos and fulfilling his first-day responsibilities. In Minter, the Ravens hired a defensive head coach following consecutive campaigns that went awry due to defensive struggles and ultimately postseason regression. After losing to the Chiefs at home in the 2023 AFC championship game, the Ravens lost to the Bills in the 2024 divisional round and missed out on the playoffs completely this past season. Minter arrives in Baltimore with deep familiarity with the organization. He first served as a defensive assistant, working his way up to defensive backs coach between 2017 to 2020, before leaving on his “own accord” to become Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator. He later joined Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, won a national championship in 2023, then spent the past two seasons engineering a defensive turnaround with the Los Angeles Chargers. On Thursday, Minter outlined traits he’s looking for as he fills out the rest of his coaching staff, including the ever-important offensive coordinator position. “I’m looking for leaders and connectors and relationship builders and schematic expertise,” Minter said. “But most importantly, guys that the players believe in. Coaches that are willing to dive deep and build really strong relationships with the players.” Baltimore has reportedly interviewed Lions assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery and Broncos pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb for the offensive coordinator vacancy. Whoever gets the job will be tasked with helping resurrect an offense that was plagued by inconsistency and poor execution during critical downs. Overall, the Ravens finished 16th in the NFL in total offense (332.2 yards per game). Quarterback and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson battled multiple injuries in a forgettable season that ended with a 6-7 record as the starter. His rushing numbers dipped to career lows, while his explosiveness and elusiveness vanished. As Minter and the Ravens chart their future, the coaching staff’s ability to maximize what’s left of Jackson’s prime ahead of his age 29 season is undoubtedly a top priority. It’s also impossible to separate Jackson’s on-field outlook from his current financial situation. Jackson’s cap number balloons to $74.5 million next season, representing roughly a quarter of the team’s projected salary cap. A restructure is essential if Baltimore wants to build a more complete roster around the quarterback. Jackson’s willingness and urgency to collaborate on a solution remain paramount. Related Articles How will Ravens QB Lamar Jackson mesh with new coach Jesse Minter? 3 takeaways from new Ravens coach Jesse Minter, including chain of command Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needed to reimagine Jesse Minter. Then he hired him. “I just look forward to connecting with [Jackson], helping him become the best version of himself,” Minter said. “Creating a team identity that allows him to thrive, which he’s already proven to be an elite — one of the best players in the National Football League, and put a team around him that allows him to reach that ultimate goal of bringing a Super Bowl back to Baltimore.” Unfortunately, Jackson’s absence from Thursday’s news conference stood out. Only nine players attended to support Minter: Running back Justice Hill, offensive linemen Carson Vinson and Gerad Lichtenhan, defensive linemen Travis Jones, Broderick Washington Jr. and Aeneas Peebles, linebacker Teddye Buchanan and defensive backs Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Jackson wasn’t there. Neither were Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Mark Andrews or other cornerstone veterans. To be clear: Jackson was not required to be present for Minter’s first official day at the Castle. But just earlier this month during their end-of-season news conference, owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta publicly challenged Jackson to display improved communication and collaboration moving forward. Thursday presented a golden opportunity for Jackson to signal alignment as the franchise turned the page to its fourth head coach. Around the league, similar introductory moments unfolded a bit differently. On the same day the Ravens introduced Minter, franchise pillars in Buffalo and Tennessee showed up alongside new head coaches Joe Brady and Robert Saleh, with Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Titans quarterback Cam Ward joined by defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. Those key appearances displayed established leaders understanding the importance of their presence at the outset of new eras. Allen even hosted an impromptu news conference, discussing his involvement in Buffalo’s hiring process, his support of Brady and his broken foot injury. Back in Owings Mills, Minter said he and Jackson have already started building a relationship. “Lamar and I have had multiple conversations,” Minter said. “It’s been great. It’s been great to get to know him. Relationships take time. … We’ve been working towards that already.” Bisciotti previously volunteered to lend Jackson his private plane to travel from South Florida to Baltimore to participate in head-coaching interviews. The Ravens interviewed nearly two dozen candidates, including finalists Minter, Brady and Anthony Weaver. If that level of access existed during the process, it’s fair to wonder whether Jackson could’ve taken up the same service Thursday. With Minter flanked onstage by team president Sahsi Brown and DeCosta, Bisciotti had a front row seat alongside former general manager and senior adviser Ozzie Newsome. DeCosta was asked directly whether Jackson participated in finalist interviews. His response came across as general and notably indirect. “We had a small group of players kind of split evenly among offense and defense,” DeCosta said. “They had the opportunity to come into Baltimore or be a part of a Zoom. … Their opinion was valuable and very helpful.” Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken speak before a Week 18 game against the Steelers. Jackson will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026. (Kevin Richardson/Staff) The Ravens are walking a familiar line of protecting their franchise quarterback while hoping Jackson grows into a more coherent leadership role that includes improved communication with the coaching staff and front office. Former offensive coordinator and new Browns coach Todd Monken acknowledged that imbalance, noting on his recent appearance on the Ryan Ripken show that “I didn’t coach Lamar well enough” and “didn’t have as good of a relationship as I could have.” Minter inherits that challenge immediately. The first-time coach arrives in Baltimore with a long history of connecting with players and forming real off-field relationships that have consistently converted to on-field success. “Our football identity, I would say, is [to be] physical, tough, relentless and playing together,” Minter said. “I think when people turn on our film, I want them to see a team that’s really well connected, that plays for each other. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for everybody. There’s a physicality that comes along with that. There’s a mental and physical toughness that comes along with that. There are schematic things that come along with that. “I’m really looking forward to building that with our team, creating our own identity in that regard and building on what’s been done here in the past.” Minter is in place and the defensive identity is spoken for. The offense, however, from coordinator and offensive staff to philosophy and how it maximizes what remains of Jackson’s prime while navigating an unavoidable contract restructure, remains under construction. 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

Eric DeCosta didn’t do it alone. The Ravens’ general manager said Thursday that a “small group” of both offensive and defensive players, many of whom are veterans, helped Baltimore choose Jesse Minter to be its next coach. “Their opinion was valuable and very helpful,” DeCosta said at Minter’s introductory news conference in Owings Mills. “They came at it from a different perspective as players. The feedback that we got from the candidates was fantastic.” The players’ roles are not finished. DeCosta said that the group is also helping evaluate candidates for the team’s offensive and defensive coordinator positions and other roles on the coaching staff. Minter’s hiring, announced last Thursday, marked DeCosta’s first head-coaching search since becoming general manager in 2019. While DeCosta was involved in the hiring of John Harbaugh in 2008 as director of college scouting, this process was different. He was leading this. Zoom interviews played a major role, allowing the Ravens to gather information quickly while expanding the scope of voices involved. “The integration of technology allows us to talk to a lot more people in a very short amount of time, which is an opportunity and a challenge,” Ravens president Sashi Brown said. Players participated in interviews in-person or remotely. DeCosta declined to identify those involved, saying only that they were “veteran players that had inquired about being a part of the process.” Owner Steve Bisciotti previously encouraged quarterback Lamar Jackson to take part, though it was not disclosed whether the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player participated in interviews. Jackson was not among the nine current players present Thursday. “I think relationships take time, and so you don’t become the head coach of the Ravens and expect to have a deep relationship with anybody,” Minter said of the star quarterback. “I just look forward to connecting with him, helping him become the best version of himself.” DeCosta acknowledged that it initially took some time for him to envision Minter, who worked in Baltimore from 2017 to 2020 as a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach, as a head coach. . That perception shifted as DeCosta gathered feedback from those who had worked closely with Minter, including Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, who worked closely with DeCosta as Baltimore’s director of player personnel before landing in Los Angeles, and former Ravens safeties Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle. “Watching him last year … and watching that defense, I’m like, ‘Damn, this is a good team. This is a really good defense. Jesse’s doing a hell of a job,’ ” DeCosta said. “I think it takes a whole process of accumulating information and really removing all the biases that you have in your head.” Minter wouldn’t confirm any hires or timelines for when positions will be filled. He did say that the offensive and defensive coordinator searches are “very far along,” adding that announcements would come “in the near future.” Amid their search for a head coach, the Ravens interviewed several candidates who could fit as offensive coordinator, including former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. Related Articles Mike Preston: Ravens’ defense needs fixing. Here comes Jesse Minter. | COMMENTARY Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needed to reimagine Jesse Minter. Then he hired him. Ravens coach Jesse Minter explains vision: Being at best ‘late in the season’ READERS RESPOND: Ravens fans grade team’s hire of head coach Jesse Minter New Ravens coach Jesse Minter not trying to copy John Harbaugh: ‘Own spin’ Whoever is chosen will play a critical role in the Ravens’ future, particularly in shaping the working relationship with Jackson. That hire carries far more weight than the defensive coordinator decision after Minter said that he will call the defensive plays. With the hires to shape his staff, Minter isn’t just looking for schematic expertise. He explicitly says player buy-in is required. “I’m looking for leaders and connectors and relationship builders and schematic expertise, but most importantly, guys that the players believe in,” Minter said. “I think [we will excel] when they feel that it’s collaborative, and they feel that it’s ours and not just the coaches.” Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

Jesse Minter is on a learning curve, but the Ravens’ first-year head coach said what he needed to Thursday at his introductory news conference. Minter, 42, said that he will run the defense. That might end up being a mistake as 2026 rolls along, but it’s a necessary risk at this point. The Ravens were ranked 24th in total yards, allowing an average 354.5 yards per game and were ranked No. 31 in pass defense. So, Minter, who has a strong defensive background, will call the plays for the Ravens next season. That might sound a little strange for a coach who was hired as a CEO of one of the NFL’s top franchises, but it makes perfect sense. The Ravens need to get back to their roots of being a blue-collar team built on defense. That’s a great thing with such an unpredictable offense. “I do plan on calling the defense,” Minter said. “I think that’s a strength of mine. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m sitting here, but I also think it’s my leadership qualities. I have a really good process, I feel, to do what I need to to do to be ready to call the game, but I also have the ability to be the head coach and to impact the entire roster, the entire team, and make sure that’s its our offense, defense, our special teams, and that’s no divide there. “I know that I’m in charge of all that, but it really starts with the relationships with the people in the building, particularly the players. I think they feel my competitiveness, they’ll feel my mentality every day, and I think we’ll work hand in hand to build a great team.” Translation: It’s unlikely the Ravens will be able to hire a defensive coordinator with as strong a pedigree as Cleveland’s Jim Schwartz or even Denver’s Jim Leonhard, who is the Broncos’ defensive pass game coordinator. Both will probably want the freedom to make an impact and put their signatures on games. Minter might end up hiring a coordinator such as Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen or maybe former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. They might provide input on game plans, but the final decisions belong to Minter. One thing is certain: It’s a great increase in pay. “I won’t confirm any hires at this point,” Minter said. “Both of those searches are going really well. They’re very far along, I would say. We’re finalizing a few of those pieces. I’m looking for leaders and connectors and relationship builders and schematic expertise, but most importantly, guys that the players believe in.” Eventually, Minter could turn over the defense to a coordinator, but not now. This team has way too many problems. The Ravens allowed 45 sacks but only generated 30, and they were lost on the back end of the defense. Teams took advantage of beating cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins on the outside, and safety Malaki Starks, the team’s first-round draft pick last April, started the season well but struggled near the end. With the neck injury to defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike casting doubts over his availability in 2026 and beyond, this defense might be in a rebuild mode. The Ravens spent a lot of time talking to former players who spent time with Minter such as safeties Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson. That meant a lot to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, who also spoke with team executives and assistant coaches. Minter has also worked with his share of “head cases” in Baltimore such as Humphrey, cornerback Marcus Peters and safety Earl Thomas. The conclusion reached by general manager Eric DeCosta, president Sashi Brown and executive vice president of player personnel Ozzie Newsome was that Minter had a strong relationship with his players, including the alpha males. Remember, former coach John Harbaugh got rid of most of those guys, such as middle linebacker Ray Lewis, receiver Anquan Boldin and safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard soon after the Ravens won the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. Related Articles Some Ravens players were ‘very helpful’ in choosing Jesse Minter as coach Ravens GM Eric DeCosta needed to reimagine Jesse Minter. Then he hired him. Ravens coach Jesse Minter explains vision: Being at best ‘late in the season’ READERS RESPOND: Ravens fans grade team’s hire of head coach Jesse Minter New Ravens coach Jesse Minter not trying to copy John Harbaugh: ‘Own spin’ Harbaugh later realized that he couldn’t win without them, which was part of his evolution as a coach. Minter might be going through a similar stage, even though young head coaches such as the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay (40) and the Seattle Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald (38) are successfully leaning on their backgrounds. Minter was a Ravens defensive assistant backs coach in 2019 and became the coach at that position in 2020. At Michigan, he coordinated the Wolverines’ 2023 unit that led the country in total defense and scoring defense. In 2024, the Chargers improved dramatically and last season Los Angeles was seventh in the NFL with 45 sacks and third in interceptions with 19. Minter is very familiar with the “Ravens Way,” but he declined to get into the problems associated with last year’s Ravens defense. Smart move. Everything has to stay internal, even criticism of former defensive coordinators and assistant coaches. “I’ll dive deep into that over the next month or so,” Minter said. “I have a ton of respect for the coaches that have been here [and] the players. I think about defense a certain way. They’ll learn how I think about it and how I feel about it. I think there’s a fundamental level needed [that’s] required to play great defense that we will harp on tremendously, and so I look forward to getting with the guys [and for] them to kind of learn my thoughts on how you play great defense. I look forward to going to work on that.” Minter, though, agreed that safety Kyle Hamilton’s value is obvious from film study. Hamilton was second on the team with 105 tackles, 25 behind leading tackler and middle linebacker Roquan Smith. “Kyle [Hamilton] is a weapon,” he said. “He is a position-less defensive player that I would classify as a weapon on defense. As much as you can do to get a guy like Kyle near the point of attack, I think, is what you try to do as a designer [or] play-caller. I could not be more thrilled to be able to work with Kyle. I’ve had a couple of really good conversations with him already. I know he’s excited, and I’m excited to work with him alongside all the really great players that we have in this organization.” It’s an exciting time for Ravens football. It’s about going back to their true nature. It’s about going back to their roots. Minter, for at least a day, had all the right answers. “Our football identity — I would say — is physical, tough, relentless and [playing] together,” he said. “I think when people turn on our film, I want them to see a team that’s really well connected [and] that plays for each other. And I think when you do that – when you play like a Raven – you play together. It’s more about everybody that’s out there with you. You’re not just playing for yourself; you’re playing for everybody.” “There’s a physicality that comes along with that. There’s a mental and physical toughness that comes along with that. There are schematic things that come along with that. All the great coaches over time that have been here and that have led historical outputs on both sides of the ball. I think that all encompasses what it means to play like a Raven. And I’m really look forward to building that with our team, creating our own identity in that regard and building on what’s been done here in the past.” Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article