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Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco joined the BMore Football Podcast on Wednesday, and the Super Bowl champion touched on a host of topics. Among the most interesting was a conversation about the 41-year-old’s future as an NFL player. Is retirement on the table? It doesn’t sound like Flacco is quite ready to hang up the cleats after 18 NFL seasons. “I’ve tried to come up with a good answer for everybody, but it’s a hard question to answer,” Flacco said. “I’ve played football most of my life. I think you think about an end. You do think about one day being done, but at the same time, year to year, you don’t really think about that. You’re just like, ‘Oh, offseason. Time to work out and get ready for the next season.’ And I think that for the most part, my head is still in that space.” He spent the 2025 campaign with both the Browns and Bengals, appearing in 13 games and throwing for 2,479 yards to move his career total to 48,176. He’s less than 2,000 passing yards away from becoming just the 13th player in league history to surpass 50,000. Flacco says he still enjoys competing at the highest level. “A lot of guys talk about falling out of love with the game or just kind of knowing,” Flacco said. “I don’t think that’s hit me yet.” As for his health, Flacco says he still feels well enough to play professionally despite being one of the league’s older players. He wasn’t the oldest quarterback in the division, however, as Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to the postseason and turned 42 in December. “We talk about 40 being an old age, but in the grand scheme of things, I don’t really think you’re that old,” Flacco said. “I think we’ve had a couple guys in front of me that are the best to ever do it that have shown if you want to do it, you can still play at a high level.” Could Flacco play for Pittsburgh? During the podcast episode, Flacco was jokingly asked if he’d be interested in completing his journey around the AFC North. He’s played for the Ravens, Browns and Bengals. “There’s something about the Steelers that seems a little bit different because they were our rival for so many years,” Flacco said with a laugh, “but at the end of the day, I play football because I love it. It is a job of mine. If somebody is hiring me, that is a pretty big deal.” He’s a free agent this offseason and likely to sign a one-year deal. The Steelers need to decide on whether they want to re-sign Rodgers with a new coach, but Flacco wasn’t ruling out the possibility that he could take a snap for every AFC North franchise. “You can’t necessarily let your personal feelings on an organization just from an outsider get in the way of a professional decision,” Flacco said. He admitted it’d feel weird to put on a black and yellow jersey after spending over a decade in Baltimore, though. “I think it would be strange,” Flacco added. Related Articles Watch Episode 22 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law NFL teams opt for change over patience in offseason with record-tying 10 coaching changes In the NFL, winning seasons and playoff appearances don’t always equate to job security New job, same voice: Ex-Ravens coach John Harbaugh introduced by Giants READER POLL: Should previous head coaching experience matter for Ravens? Reaction to John Harbaugh’s firing Flacco played the first 11 seasons of his career under John Harbaugh. Only when the Ravens turned to Lamar Jackson late in the 2018 season did Harbaugh and Flacco part ways. Flacco shared his reaction to Harbaugh being fired by Baltimore after 18 seasons with the team. “I think when you’re around this league as long as everybody around here has been, I don’t know if you’re shocked by anything, but I was definitely surprised, especially to how it came out,” he said. Flacco added that he expects the veteran coach to find success in New York. “The Giants are getting one hell of a coach,” he said, “I think it’s a huge hire for them.” Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

Episode 22 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman are joined by Ravens legend Joe Flacco, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with over 48,000 career passing yards during time with six NFL teams. Flacco discusses his career and his reaction to the Ravens firing John Harbaugh. 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

By JOSH DUBOW The Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills faced similar decisions after another promising season ended short of the Super Bowl. The Packers opted to give coach Matt LaFleur a contract extension in hopes that he can still get the team over the hump, while the Bills fired coach Sean McDermott following an unprecedented sixth straight season that featured a playoff win and no Super Bowl appearance. LaFleur and McDermott were two of the four coaches in the league with at least seven seasons at their current spots and no Super Bowl titles with Kyle Shanahan having just finished his ninth season with San Francisco and Zac Taylor his seventh in Cincinnati. Andy Reid is the longest tenured coached having won three Super Bowl titles in 13 seasons in Kansas City. The four long-term coaches without a title had success, combining for 25 playoff wins and 21 postseason appearances without winning it all. Shanahan lost twice in the Super Bowl in the 2019 and ’23 seasons, while Taylor fell short in 2021 with the Bengals. Whether Shanahan, LaFleur or Taylor will break through and win it all at their current spots remains unknown, history shows that’s much less certain. Only one coach hired since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966 won his first championship with a team later than his eighth season with Bill Cowher winning it all for Pittsburgh after the end of his 14th season in 2005. There have been 36 coaches to win a Super Bowl with Vince Lombardi, Weeb Ewbank, Hank Stram and Tom Landry all having already been on the job before the first Super Bowl was played. Of the other 32 winners, exactly half won their first title within their first three seasons with a team, while 12 others did it in the fourth or fifth season. The only ones besides to Cowher to take longer than five years were Pittsburgh’s Chuck Noll (year six), Reid (year seven) and the Raiders’ John Madden (year eight). There were more than 60 other coaches who had at least six seasons with a team who didn’t win it all. McDermott’s eight playoff wins are the most for any coach in the Super Bowl era who hasn’t made it to the title game and the Bills were the first team to win a playoff game in six straight seasons without reaching a Super Bowl. Shanahan’s nine playoff wins are the fourth most for a coach who hasn’t won it all. LaFleur has made the playoffs in six of seven seasons with Green Bay but has just playoff wins to show for it and hasn’t made it past the divisional round since losing his second straight NFC title game in the 2020 season against Tampa Bay. In all, there have been a record-tying 10 coaching changes this offseason, matching the previous high last reached in 2022. The only other seasons with 10 came in 2006, 1997 and 1978. Only two of the 10 coaches hired four years ago remain on the job with Kevin O’Connell about to enter his fifth season in Minnesota and Todd Bowles the same in Tampa. Overtime rules The change in the playoff overtime rules that went into place when Kansas City knocked out Buffalo in the 2021 divisional round with an opening drive touchdown had a big impact in this season’s divisional round. With both teams now guaranteed a chance at a possession even if the first team scores a touchdown, the choice of whether to take the ball or kick off in overtime is more complicated. Shanahan chose getting the ball in the first game under the new rules in Super Bowl 58 and the 49ers lost when they settled for a field goal on the opening drive and Kansas City drove for a game-ending TD — with help of a fourth-down conversion on the drive when the Chiefs knew they needed a score. There were two overtime games this weekend and both teams that won the toss opted to kick, choosing the advantage of knowing what the first team did on the opening possession. While that is sound strategy if overtime lasts only two possessions, it is a disadvantage if the game is tied after two possessions. That’s what happened in both games this weekend. Denver and the Rams both drove for winning field goals on the third possession of overtime when it was sudden death, taking advantage of the extra possession that the team that won the coin toss didn’t get. Quarterback shuffle The injury that knocked Denver’s Bo Nix out of the playoffs has created a most unusual situation with Jarrett Stidham set to start the AFC title game after not throwing a single pass during a game the last two seasons. When Stidham takes the field against New England on Sunday, it will be 749 days since his last pass attempt in the regular season or playoffs in Week 18 of the 2022 season against Las Vegas. According to the NFL research department, that will be more than double the previous longest stretch without a pass attempt by a playoff starter with Joe Webb having gone 370 days before his 2012 wild-card start for Minnesota against Green Bay. Stidham’s four career starts are the fewest ever for a QB starting in a conference championship game — one fewer than Jeff Hostetler had when he started the 1990 NFC title game for the Giants. Hostetler had four career regular-season starts and had won the divisional round when he started that win over San Francisco. The Broncos will be the ninth team to start multiple quarterbacks in the same postseason and will try to become the fifth to get wins from both. Buffalo was the last to do it when backup Frank Reich won two games in place of the injured Jim Kelly in the 1992 playoffs before Kelly returned and won the AFC title game. The Bills lost the Super Bowl to Dallas. The 1972 Dolphins, who finished a perfect 17-0, were the only Super Bowl champions to use two starting quarterbacks in the playoffs with Earl Morrall winning the first two rounds before Bob Griese returned from a broken leg to win the Super Bowl. ___ Inside the Numbers dives into NFL statistics, streaks and trends each week. For more Inside the Numbers, head here. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL View the full article

By ROB MAADDI Winning isn’t everything. Winning the Super Bowl matters most. Sean McDermott became the latest coach to learn that harsh reality when the Buffalo Bills fired him after falling short in the playoffs for the seventh straight season. McDermott led the Bills to the playoffs eight times in nine seasons, but they didn’t make it past the AFC championship game, losing twice to Kansas City. Now, Buffalo looks for a coach who can help the franchise capture its first Lombardi Trophy. McDermott turned the Bills into a perennial contender, but couldn’t secure that elusive Super Bowl victory so he’s out. It happened to Tony Dungy in Tampa Bay, John Fox in Denver, Andy Reid in Philadelphia, among many others. John Harbaugh was fired two weeks ago after missing the playoffs despite a successful, 18-year run in Baltimore that included winning one Lombardi. He quickly landed with the New York Giants. Doug Pederson was fired by the Eagles following one losing season that came after three straight playoff appearances, including the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. Marty Schottenheimer was fired by the Chargers after the team went a league-best 14-2 in 2006 but lost in the divisional round. Ultimately, it comes down to winning the biggest prize. There are only 32 head coaches in the NFL and not a lot of job security. McDermott’s abrupt dismissal opens an attractive vacancy in Buffalo. The next coach inherits 2024 AP NFL MVP Josh Allen, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Running back James Cook was the NFL’s rushing champion. The defense was No. 1 against the pass. There’s plenty of talent on the Bills. But the team needs to find the missing piece. It’s not just the head coach. General manager Brandon Beane, who was also promoted to president, needs to give Allen more playmakers. The Bills lack an elite wide receiver. It’s been their primary need since Stefon Diggs was traded to Houston after the 2023 season. Stroud’s future C.J. Stroud threw four first-half interceptions in Houston’s 28-16 loss to New England in the divisional round and the Texans failed in their seventh bid to reach the AFC championship game. After winning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Stroud has regressed. Still, he’s led the Texans to playoff wins in each of his first three seasons. The Texans need to give Stroud more help. The offensive line struggled and the run game was nonexistent. Stroud was also missing standout receiver Nico Collins against the Patriots and lost tight end Dalton Schultz early in the game. “The quarterback position is going to get the most eyes, most attention. We understand that,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “In this league, that’s what it is. C.J. understands that as well. Throughout the season, I thought he did a really nice job of coming in and learning a new offense, new scheme. I thought he picked it up well. We got better as the season went along and he made some plays to allow us to win a lot of football games as well. I’m not going to let the bad plays there in that game (against the Patriots) dictate to me who C.J. is. I know who C.J. is. I know what he’s capable of doing. “We just keep looking to get better. No one feels worse about the situation than C.J. He feels bad for the team. He feels like he let the team down, and I just told him, ‘Keep your head up and you keep moving forward.’ We all want it better. We can’t go back in that game right now and run it back and play it again. We just learn from it. What do you learn from it? That’s my main message to him is, what do you learn from that and how do you make that a priority and getting it fixed and improving and getting better?” ___ On Football analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL from week to week. For more On Football analysis, head here. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl View the full article

John Harbaugh stood before the podium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, wearing a navy blue suit and accented burgundy tie, introducing Giants fans to the personality and Harbaugh-isms that Ravens fans know well. He played all the hits. Harbaugh promised to attack his new job with “an enthusiasm unknown to mankind” — a long-standing catchphrase in the Harbaugh family. In his opening remarks, delivering something of a mission statement, he assured everything will be about “the team, the team, the team.” That’s another classic Harbaugh line. He thanked his dad, Jack, for instilling that one. The 63-year-old coach who spent 18 years in Baltimore, going 193-124 and winning a Super Bowl before he was fired earlier this month, sounded ready to embrace the opportunity in New York. Very little of the roughly 20-minute news conference was spent rehashing his time with the Ravens. Harbaugh extended a “profoouunnd” thank you to Ravens leadership, specifically owner Steve Bisciotti and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome as well as coaches and players. He did not mention general manager Eric DeCosta by name. Then Harbaugh turned the page to the Giants. In the wee hours of Jan. 14, shortly before midnight, news broke that the two parties were closing in on a deal to make Harbaugh the next head coach of, as he lovingly calls them, the “New York Football Giants.” It took three more days — which included a fancy dinner and all-day meetings to iron out chain of command restructuring — to get that five-year deal across the finish line. Harbaugh said there was never a question about taking a new job versus a year off. He wanted to get back in the ring with a team he saw genuine potential in. “I wanted this job,” Harbaugh said. “To be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport. I know the challenges. I know the expectations. I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We’re here with one mission: to earn the right to be called the world champions in New York.” The road diverged in front of him includes two paths. Each has already been laid, and one sounds much better than the other. Like Harbaugh, former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll enjoyed great success in Seattle, where he won a Super Bowl. This time last year, the Raiders hired him to bring a mark of stability to a listless organization. The 74-year-old Carroll won three games and was promptly fired after one season. Harbaugh would much prefer the other road, the won blazed by his mentor, Andy Reid. Harbaugh spent a decade as Reid’s special teams coordinator in Philadelphia before the Ravens hired him as a first-time head coach. Five years later, Reid was fired by the Eagles and quickly hired by the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, he’s won three Super Bowls and appeared in two more. “We’ll sign up for that deal right now,” Harbaugh laughed, met with some applause. Those two have been in some level of communication during the less than two weeks Harbaugh was unemployed. Reid is a man of few words, his mentee said Tuesday. “His four words to me,” Harbaugh said, “were ‘change can be good.’” For Baltimore, the feeling was mutual. “We love John like a brother, and it was really the most difficult decision that we made, but we made it,” Bisciotti said last week, “We want the Ravens to succeed. I felt it was the right time to make the change. … I think we had run our course.” Bisciotti knew Harbaugh would be the “the most sought-after coach in years.” That fact, affirmed when Harbaugh became the first head coach off the board this cycle, alleviated Bisciotti’s worries about letting go of his longtime friend. On Tuesday, there were plenty of questions about the roster he’s inheriting, to which Harbaugh assured his confidence in their ability to be a playoff team by next year led by rising sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart. Harbaugh told his brother and Los Angeles Chargers coach, Jim, to “breathe easy” now that they’re in different conferences. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston got a shoutout for his 2024 upset win over the Ravens. “It was a great game — for you,” Harbaugh said, pointing to the back of the room. He also indicated the interview process for hiring coordinators will begin as soon as Wednesday. The Giants will scour the league for candidates. That includes “people in Baltimore,” Harbaugh said, alluding to his former offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Both have reportedly been in talks with the Giants. Related Articles READER POLL: Should previous head coaching experience matter for Ravens? 2026 NFL mock draft: Early predictions for all 32 first-round picks Ravens head coach search: Where things stand, and what’s next Josh Tolentino: Dear Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti … | COMMENTARY Mike Preston: Ravens’ next coach needs to be a CEO, not a phony | COMMENTARY If the YouTube chat section on the live stream of Harbaugh’s introductory news conference is any indication, the excitement in East Rutherford, New Jersey is palpable. Giants fans see a bright light at the end of this decade-plus-long tunnel, having won a single playoff game in 14 years. Harbaugh didn’t nail down one secret ingredient to his success in Baltimore or how that might translate up Interstate-95. “No two places are the same,” he said. But his relationships in New York and what he saw on tape and the conversations he had quickly convinced him the Giants, the “most iconic franchise in the biggest sport,” as he called them, were the right move for his next chapter. For Ravens fans eager to meet their new coach, seeing Harbaugh trade in purple and black for blue and red will take some getting used to. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. New York Giants coach John Harbaugh poses for a photo after being introduced during a news conference at the team's training facility on Tuesday. (Adam Hunger/AP) View the full article

It’s been two weeks since the Ravens fired coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons in Baltimore. The franchise is still searching for its next leader. The Ravens have interviewed more than a dozen candidates, including a few who have received second, in-person interviews. Owner Steve Bisciotti, during his rare news conference last week, said, “I am very intrigued by coaches that were the hottest offensive and defensive coordinators — five, six, seven years ago in their cycles — and got jobs and went to teams that were noncompetitive and didn’t have a quarterback.” Should previous head coaching experience matter for Baltimore? 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 college football season is over. Now it’s time for the NFL draft. Here are The Baltimore Sun’s early projections for the first round, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh: 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana This pairing feels destined given Mendoza’s success and the Raiders’ need for a franchise quarterback. Perhaps the happy-go-lucky Heisman Trophy winner and national champion can help uplift a team desperate for a spark and new leadership. 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State Quarterback Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon opens up a world of possibilities for the Jets. There’s no clear-cut top prospect, so why not bet on Reese’s traits and versatility as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher? 3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami The Cardinals have a hole at right tackle with Jonah Williams entering free agency. Mauigoa can step in and form a promising young pair of offensive line bookends with 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. 4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami The Titans could choose a receiver here to pair with quarterback Cam Ward, but the defense shouldn’t be overlooked, either. Adding a powerful rusher like Bain next to big bodies Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat on the defensive line would be a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. 5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State In a draft without a lot of elite talent at the top, Downs might be the best overall prospect. He doesn’t play a premium position, but his instincts and impact both on and off the field as a leader make him just the kind of player that new coach John Harbaugh is looking for to build his program. 6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State If the Browns want to get a true evaluation of quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, they need to surround them with more talent. Tyson, whose brother Jaylon plays in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is an electric playmaker who could inject a shot of adrenaline into the offense. 7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech It feels like “best defender available” for coach Dan Quinn and Washington after a disappointing season following an NFC championship game appearance. Bailey is a powerful rusher who can help collapse the pocket in a way the Commanders often failed to do this past season. 8. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah There will be plenty of calls for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or a wide receiver here, but protecting quarterback Tyler Shough should be a priority. Fano can step in immediately at guard and bolster a promising offensive line that already includes first-rounders Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga at tackle. 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Tyler Kelce might retire, Rashee Rice can’t seem to stay on the field and Marquise Brown is headed for free agency. The Chiefs need to give Patrick Mahomes another playmaker, and Tate is a perfect fit given his route-running polish and veteran savvy. 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State The Bengals simply need a better defense to have any hope of competing for championships with quarterback Joe Burrow. Styles is a standout athlete and respected leader who can step in and be a true difference-maker from Day 1. 11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee New coach Jeff Hafley is going to prioritize fixing Miami’s defense. That should start in the secondary, which has had trouble at cornerback for years. McCoy missed all of the 2025 season because of a torn ACL, but he looked like a first-round pick in 2024. 12. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn Dallas bolstered its defensive front with the midseason trade for Quinnen Williams, but several of its top pass rushers are hitting free agency. Faulk is a versatile player who would pair well with promising rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku on the edge. 13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU The Rams have built one of the league’s best defenses through the draft, but the secondary could use some more help. Delane, a Silver Spring native and former Spalding star, was one of the top cornerbacks in the country this past season with a 89.1 Pro Football Focus grade in man coverage. 14. Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson The Ravens already seem to be planning for a future without star defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike after re-signing Travis Jones and John Jenkins. Woods didn’t meet high expectations in 2025, but he has the talent to be a standout pass rusher and run defender in the middle of the defense. Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta, shown earlier this month, could choose to bolster Baltimore's defensive line during the first round of the NFL draft. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon With wide receiver Mike Evans’ future uncertain and tight end Cade Otton hitting free agency, there might be an opening for another pass catcher to complement Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka. Sadiq has the makeup to be a game-changing player if he can reach his full potential. 16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama The Jets and coach Aaron Glenn need to keep taking chances at quarterback until they find one. While Simpson didn’t hold up well under pressure in college, he showed flashes of brilliance and has the pedigree of a former five-star prospect. 17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Left tackle Taylor Decker isn’t getting any younger, and the interior of the offensive line wasn’t very impressive in 2025. The Lions might plan ahead with Lomu, who could be molded into the tackle of the future while competing immediately at guard. 18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson It always feels like the Vikings always need cornerback help, but that just means they still haven’t found a keeper yet. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons star A.J., is a highly competitive player with a nose for the ball. 19. Carolina Panthers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State The Panthers showed progress in pushing the Rams to the brink in the wild-card round, but the defense must improve for the franchise to take the next step. McDonald and Derrick Brown would be an intimidating duo to deal with at the point of attack. 20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame OK, let’s finally give Jerry Jones another first-round running back. Even if Javonte Williams re-signs, there’s a strong case to be made that Love’s big-play ability is exactly what Dallas’ offense needs. 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina The Steelers are entering a new era without Mike Tomlin, but defense should remain a focal point for the next coach. Pittsburgh needs another young building block in the secondary alongside cornerback Joey Porter Jr. 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State This pairing just makes too much sense. The Chargers’ inability to protect Justin Herbert in the wild-card round highlighted the importance of reinforcing the offensive line, particularly the interior. “Vega” could step in immediately at guard next to star tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. 23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama A 6-foot-7, 360-pound lineman who needs some refinement? Sounds like an Eagles pick. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has made a living on building up prospects like Proctor, who can take over at guard if Tyler Steen struggles or Landon Dickerson has more injury trouble. 24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia The offensive line is a major concern for whoever becomes the next Browns coach, as all five starters are entering the open market. Freeling has the potential to be a long-term fixture at left tackle. Related Articles Titans agree to hire Robert Saleh as coach as they seek to speed up rebuild Dolphins hire former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as coach Ravens head coach search: Where things stand, and what’s next NFL again faces questions about the definition of a catch DC, Kansas stadium deals spark backlash over taxpayer costs 25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida The Bears’ defense was one of the worst in the league against the run this past season. The 6-6, 335-pound Banks is a big interior presence who has flashed some pass-rushing upside. 26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington Although new president Brandon Beane is still in charge, the Bills can’t ignore their shortcomings at wide receiver any longer. Boston is a big target (6-4, 210 pounds) who can run smooth routes and win contested catches. 27. San Francisco 49ers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC With Brandon Aiyuk unlikely to play another snap in San Francisco, 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall struggling to stay healthy, Jauan Jennings entering free agency and tight George Kittle out for months with a torn Achilles tendon, the 49ers simply need someone to throw the ball to. Lemon works best as a slot receiver with his speed and reliable hands. 28. Houston Texans: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia The Texans have the league’s best defensive end pairing in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., but there’s room for improvement along the interior. Miller is a stout run defender who can keep offenses honest while Hunter and Anderson wreak havoc. 29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo Rams safety Kam Curl enters free agency after making the game-changing interception against Caleb Williams in overtime of the divisional round. Adding a cornerback and a rangy deep safety like McNeil-Warren would help keep Los Angeles’ championship window open if Matthew Stafford returns. 30. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson helped take New England back to the AFC championship game, but the Patriots could use a young pass rusher. Howell is undersized relative to NFL edge defenders, but his traits and production are worth betting on. 31. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are entering free agency and Dre Greenlaw isn’t a safe bet to play a full season given his injury history. Otherwise, there aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Broncos’ roster. Allen is a sure tackler and reliable presence in the middle of the defense. 32. Seattle Seahawks: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon Seattle’s 2024 first-round pick Grey Zabel looks like a long-term starter at guard, but there’s room for improvement on the interior. Pregnon posted elite pass-blocking numbers for the Ducks and would help further solidify the protection in front of Sam Darnold. Have a news tip? Contact C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The microphone on Lamar Jackson’s cell phone is apparently working just fine these days. A week ago, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti fired coach John Harbaugh. After 18 seasons, one Super Bowl title and a dozen postseason appearances, a more recent string of blown fourth-quarter leads, playoff regression and not living up to expectations led to the billionaire’s instincts believing that now was the time to relieve the only coach he’d ever hired of his duties. Amid that decision, Bisciotti also spoke with Jackson the night before he let Harbaugh go. He has talked to him in the days since, too. Bisciotti even extended an open-ended invitation to the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player to use his private jet to fly him to town to be part of the process of hiring the next coach. While Bisciotti said that Jackson did not play an “outsized” role in Harbaugh’s dismissal and the star will have “a lot of say” but “no power” in who will replace him, the owner’s feelings about the 2018 first-round draft pick who on the night Baltimore selected him promised to bring a third Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Charm City couldn’t have been clearer. The 65-year-old who said that he possibly plans to own the team for around another 10 years or so and the Ravens are all in. “I want him to be my quarterback,” Bisciotti said Tuesday when asked if he is 100% sold on the 29-year-old being the central figure in the organization for the foreseeable future. Now the only questions are how and if that will happen and what it will mean for Baltimore. Jackson still has two years left on his current contract, but with a $74.5 million salary due each of the next two seasons, his cap hit would be prohibitive for a team perennially tight on space and long on needs, from the offensive line, to a bonafide pass rusher to re-signing some of their roughly two dozen free agents. That’s why there is an urgency to get an extension signed, which would be the second one of Jackson’s career after he signed a five-year, $260 million deal in 2023 following two long and at times contentious years of negotiations that included the quarterback at one point saying that he couldn’t talk to DeCosta because his cell phone microphone was broken. Despite the stalemate that led to a public trade request before an agreement was finally reached, Bisciotti believes that not only is Jackson the man to take him where he wants to go, but that they will be able to reach an understanding. There are also mathematical gymnastics that can be played, including reworking his current contract to push the $74.5 million out into void years, though that’s not the preference for Bisciotti. “We want another window, and Lamar knows that,” he said. “I think that he’s amenable to doing something that mirrors the last deal he did, although the annual number will be a little higher. But I’m hoping that it’s, plug a new number into the same contract he signed last year and move on. “And the urgency of that matters to me because we’ve got free agents, and I don’t want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head. I made that clear to Lamar, and I think he was very appreciative of my stance, and hopefully willing to work with Eric and not get this thing dragged out into April like it was the last time. It was very hard for him to build a roster when that thing is not settled.” "I think we underachieved as a scouting staff, as a coaching staff and as players," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said of the 2025 season. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Building, or in many ways rebuilding, the current roster is among DeCosta’s primary objectives — behind, of course, signing Jackson to an extension. Doing the latter would allow him to address the many needs the team has. Pick just about any position group and there is a desire to revamp, be it on the offensive line, at outside linebacker, on the defensive line, at wide receiver, cornerback or elsewhere. “When you underachieve, you can blame a lot of things,” DeCosta said. “We didn’t play consistently from game to game. Some games, the offense played well, the defense didn’t perform well. Some halves, the offense looked good and the defense didn’t. “I think generally speaking, we’ve got to do a better job of creating pressure on defense — that will help the secondary, I think, being complementary on defense that way. Getting after it affecting the quarterback — affecting the pocket would be something big. I know the offensive line seemed to be a narrative this year. … I think we underachieved as a scouting staff, as a coaching staff and as players.” Related Articles Josh Tolentino: Ravens are ready to negotiate. Lamar Jackson remains a wild card. | COMMENTARY Chargers fire ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman after playoff loss Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti’s exit plan? Win big and ‘get the hell out.’ Ravens owner ‘very intrigued’ by top coach candidates from previous cycles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will have a say in next coach, but ‘no power’ How to improve on that, DeCosta added, includes looking internally and what can be done better. “I think it starts with me; it starts with the new coaching staff; and I think the players will be accountable as well,” DeCosta said. It also includes the ability to go after what he called potential “big-ticket” stars, something that is made difficult if not impossible unless the Ravens can sign Jackson to an extension to lower his salary cap hit. That, of course, starts with being able to communicate with the quarterback in the first place and the two sides being on the same page, particularly with a new coach being hired in the coming weeks. Was it where it needed to be this past season under Harbaugh and the rest of his staff? Bisciotti said that Jackson told him that he had no issues with Harbaugh or offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Now that one is gone and the other to follow, it will be imperative for Jackson and the new regime, along with the owner and general manager, to be simpatico. “I think communication can always be better,” DeCosta said. “You have to over-communicate; I believe in that. “I think with players, especially, they’re looking for feedback. They want to have a voice, but you also have to encourage the feedback and encourage the voice and work and set expectations and hold people accountable every single day. That’s what the most successful organizations do on a consistent basis, whether that’s with your star quarterback or your third-string inside linebacker; you have to set expectations, hold players accountable, foster a relationship where they love this place and love this culture, and football’s the most important thing in their lives.” For Jackson and the Ravens, that starts with talking, so they’ve at least got that going for them. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

“I have the power.” As Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti explained Lamar Jackson’s involvement in the coaching search Tuesday, he drew a clear line, one that will help shape the franchise’s next phase as it attempts to replace 18-year head coach John Harbaugh. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player will have input, and the quarterback’s voice is expected to be valued. But the authority still ultimately resides with the organization, even as Jackson holds a different type of leverage. Everything Bisciotti candidly laid out spelled a dynamic built on commitment with boundaries, and a public challenge for their franchise quarterback as necessary contract negotiations await. Bisciotti, sporting a beige suit, fielded questions for more than an hour alongside general manager Eric DeCosta in what was his first meeting with local media since 2022. The Ravens rarely offer this level of transparency from ownership. The last time Bisciotti held a news conference at the team’s headquarters in Owings Mills was in 2018, Jackson’s rookie season. Bisciotti confirmed that he spoke with Jackson before firing Harbaugh last week and added the quarterback will have “a lot of say” in the next coaching hire. But he soon followed his comments with more clarity that felt intentional. “I have the power,” Bisciotti said. “I care about my players very much, but I can’t give them power.” Jackson, of course, is central to everything the Ravens do. Bisciotti made it clear, though, that Jackson is not directing the franchise’s next major decision, especially coming off one of the worst years of his accomplished career, a season in which he missed four games because of several lower-body injuries. Jackson completed 63.6% of his passes, finishing with 2,549 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes and seven interceptions across 13 starts. His 349 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns both marked career lows. Amid all of this hovers Jackson’s looming contract situation. The 29-year-old quarterback is under contract for three more seasons, but his cap number skyrockets to $74.5 million next season, representing roughly a quarter of the team’s salary cap. It’s an untenable figure for a team looking to desperately rebound from missing the playoffs completely after Baltimore was widely labeled a Super Bowl favorite. “The urgency of [settling Jackson’s contract] matters to me because we’ve got free agents and I don’t want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head,” Bisciotti said. “And I made that clear to Lamar and I think he was very appreciative of my stance and hopefully willing to work with [DeCosta] and not get this thing dragged out into [May] like the last time. “It’s very hard for him to build a roster when that thing is not settled.” Biscotti speaks from experience. Related Articles Ravens’ rebuilding plan hinges on Lamar Jackson: ‘We want another window’ Chargers fire ex-Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman after playoff loss Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti’s exit plan? Win big and ‘get the hell out.’ Ravens owner ‘very intrigued’ by top coach candidates from previous cycles Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will have a say in next coach, but ‘no power’ The last round of negotiations involving Jackson dragged and spilled into public view, including Jackson’s trade request in March 2023 and stretches of uncertainty that followed. At one point, Jackson even claimed that he couldn’t field calls from the team because his phone microphone was broken, a sign of just how disconnected the process had become. Eventually, Jackson, who does not employ an agent, signed a five-year extension worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed that made him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. Bisciotti noted Tuesday that in the scenario in which the two sides can’t reach a new deal, the Ravens could lower Jackson’s cap figure by spreading out the cap hit in void years. “You can play with that money all you want. That’s not what we want,” the owner said. Jackson, who turned 29 last Wednesday, declined to discuss his contract situation after the team’s season-ending loss to Pittsburgh earlier in the month. “We just lost a game — a divisional game — a game to put us in the playoffs,” he said. “I’m not even thinking about [my contract] right now, to be honest with you. I’m still caught up in what just happened. That’s not my focus right now.” Just over two weeks later, Bisciotti made sure Tuesday to convey the team’s dynamic related to Jackson. He also outlined a potential path forward with a deal that mirrors Jackson’s previous contract structure. “I want him to be my quarterback,” Bisciotti said. “We want another [Super Bowl] window and Lamar knows that.” This actually is where Jackson’s true leverage lies. The Ravens are signaling the need for alignment that is dependent on how Jackson will soon navigate and prioritize his timing, structure and levels of communication and collaboration. Jackson rightfully doesn’t control the coaching hire. DeCosta is hopeful to narrow down the list of more than a dozen candidates to four or five finalists by next week, and he’s invited Jackson to be part of those important conversations with the final group. Ultimately, Jackson doesn’t have the power, according to Bisciotti. Jackson, though, does control how quickly the lingering sense of uncertainty clears. He controls whether the Ravens enter free agency and the NFL Draft with comfort and clarity or unnecessary constraint. By extension, Jackson controls how easily the front office can build the kind of roster that gives him another legitimate shot at his first elusive Super Bowl title. The ball is in Jackson’s court. Is he ready to dabble in expected tough conversations? Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, left, and executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta hold a news conference at the Under Armour Performance Center. The two say they're eager to discuss Lamar Jackson's contract with the star quarterback. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) “I think communication can always be better,” DeCosta said of Jackson’s relationship with team officials. “Just if you think you’re a great communicator, then you need to be a better communicator. You have to overcommunicate. I believe in that. …That’s what the most successful organizations do on a consistent basis, whether that’s with your star quarterback or your third-string inside linebacker — you have to set expectations, hold players accountable, foster a relationship where they love this place and love this culture, and football’s the most important thing in their lives.” Tuesday served as a public declaration for Jackson to engage with his employer and move forward with contract discussions. Over the following days, Baltimore will continue its ever-important coaching interview process. Jackson remains a key piece to the team’s future plans and is being kept abreast regarding his next potential head coach. With Jackson’s contract status up in the air, it has created a riveting dynamic between the franchise and its most important player. “[Jackson will have] a lot of say, but he has no power,” Bisciotti said. “I have the power. They have opinions, and I want them all. I care about my players very much, but I can’t give them power.” The Ravens insist on remaining to true to the organization, while they also continue to lift Jackson. In return, they’re hoping for smoother cooperation from an unpredictable wild card. 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

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Mike Devlin on Tuesday, two days after the team lost 16-3 to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Roman spent two seasons as the Chargers’ OC after previously holding the position with the Ravens, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Los Angeles posted back-to-back 11-6 seasons but lost its playoff opener each time, scoring a total of 15 points in the two games. After Sunday night’s game, coach Jim Harbaugh was asked if Roman was the right person to be calling plays and declined to give Roman a vote of confidence. “Right now I don’t have the answers,” he said. “We’re going to look at that, at everything. It really falls on me that we weren’t at our best tonight. I don’t have the answers. I wish I did.” Devlin followed a seven-year career as an offensive lineman for Buffalo and Arizona as an offensive line coach for the Cardinals, Jets, Texans and Ravens before spending the last two seasons with the Cardinals. Los Angeles lost both of its starting offensive tackles to season-ending injuries, and Chargers quarterbacks were sacked 60 times — second-worst in the NFL — in 2025. Justin Herbert was brought down six times on Sunday night. The Chargers haven’t won a postseason game since 2018. Herbert is 0-3 in the playoffs for his career. View the full article