The Baltimore Ravens are deep into their head coaching search, and the direction they take could reshape the franchise for years to come. With 11 interviews already in the books and a reported 15 candidates in the mix, the Ravens’ front office is clearly casting a wide net - and for good reason.
After parting ways with John Harbaugh, a coach who helped define the franchise for over a decade and brought home a Super Bowl, this next hire isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about setting a new tone for the future.
Harbaugh’s departure - and the growing buzz that he’s headed to the New York Giants - adds a sense of urgency. The Ravens don’t want to get left behind in a fast-moving hiring cycle.
But urgency doesn’t mean recklessness. Baltimore is being methodical, and the range of candidates reflects that.
Some are seasoned former head coaches looking for a second shot. Others are rising coordinators eager to take the reins of their own team.
And while the front office weighs resumes and philosophies, the fanbase is split down the middle. One camp is pushing for an offensive-minded coach who can maximize Lamar Jackson’s prime years and elevate an offense that has shown flashes but hasn’t consistently dominated. The other camp is calling for a return to the Ravens’ roots - a defensive identity that’s been synonymous with Baltimore football since the days of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.
Count former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott among those in the latter group. On a recent appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Scott made a compelling case for why Baltimore needs to get back to its defensive DNA.
“I believe that Steve Bisciotti recognized that they got off-brand,” Scott said. “This is an organization that’s always been about defense.
So I look at a guy like LaFleur, I look at a guy like Robert Saleh coming in there and re-identifying who they are; them staying on-brand. Offense is cool, but when they won their Super Bowls…it was based on tremendous defense.”
Now, it’s worth noting that Matt LaFleur is known for his offensive acumen in Green Bay, so Scott likely meant Brian Flores - the defensive coordinator in Minnesota - when referencing potential defensive-minded candidates. Either way, the point stands: Baltimore’s identity has always been built on defense. And in recent years, that identity has slipped.
The Ravens' defense struggled mightily in 2025 and was inconsistent the year before. For a franchise that once prided itself on punishing, disciplined, and opportunistic defense, the drop-off has been noticeable. That’s why names like Robert Saleh and Brian Flores are getting serious consideration.
Saleh’s head coaching record with the Jets (20-36 from 2021 to 2024) doesn’t jump off the page, but context matters. He inherited a roster short on offensive talent and still managed to build some elite defensive units.
After his stint in New York, Saleh returned to San Francisco as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 2025 - and he wasted no time reminding the league of his chops. Despite a rash of injuries, his defense held strong and just last weekend, they shut down the Eagles' high-powered offense in a Wild Card win.
That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed.
Then there’s Flores. His tenure as Dolphins head coach (24-25 over three seasons) ended amid internal tension, but his ability to lead and develop a defense was never in question.
Since taking over as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator in 2023, Flores has orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. In 2025, the Vikings fielded a top-three defense in yards allowed - a testament to Flores’ scheme, discipline, and ability to get the most out of his players.
His teams don’t just play defense; they believe in it.
Both Saleh and Flores bring the kind of defensive mindset that could help Baltimore reestablish its identity. They’re respected leaders, they’ve proven they can build tough, resilient units, and they understand what it takes to win in today’s NFL - especially when the offense isn’t always going to carry the load.
The Ravens have options, and the decision won’t be easy. But whether they go with a young offensive mind or a battle-tested defensive leader, one thing is clear: this hire will define the next era of Ravens football. And if they want to get back to being the team no one wants to play in January - the team that punches you in the mouth and dares you to respond - then a return to their defensive roots might be exactly what they need.