The Baltimore Ravens entered 2025 with high expectations. A healthy Lamar Jackson, a retooled offense, and one of the most talented defenses in the league gave fans plenty of reasons to believe this could be a championship-caliber team. But as the regular season winds down, the story of the Ravens’ year is one of missed opportunities, stalled momentum, and rising uncertainty about what comes next.
Let’s start with the constants. Lamar Jackson remains the face of the franchise, and safety Kyle Hamilton continues to anchor the defense with poise and playmaking ability well beyond his years.
These two represent the foundation of what the Ravens hope to build on going forward. But around them?
A whole lot of questions-and not just about the roster.
The coaching staff is firmly in the spotlight.
John Harbaugh’s Seat Is Getting Warmer
John Harbaugh has been here before-on the hot seat, then off it, then back on again. Earlier this season, it looked like the noise might finally catch up to him.
Fans were calling for change after a sluggish start, but a midseason rally bought Harbaugh some time. Then came Week 16.
Blowing an 11-point lead against the struggling New England Patriots wasn’t just a bad loss-it was a gut punch. It wiped out the goodwill from that turnaround and reignited the conversation about whether Harbaugh’s voice still resonates in the locker room. In a results-driven league, patience can wear thin quickly, especially when the same late-game issues keep popping up.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr Under Fire
Zach Orr, a former Ravens linebacker turned defensive coordinator, hasn’t escaped scrutiny either. His unit has talent-Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Justin Madubuike-but down the stretch, the defense has looked passive and uninspired. The lack of aggression has been noticeable, and it’s cost them in key moments.
For a franchise that’s long prided itself on defensive toughness and identity, the recent performances have fallen short of that standard. If there are sweeping changes this offseason, Orr’s role will be one of the first examined.
Todd Monken Draws Interest from Michigan
On the offensive side, Todd Monken’s tenure has been a mixed bag. When Jackson has been healthy, there have been flashes of what this offense could be-dynamic, explosive, balanced.
But more often than not, things have stalled. The playcalling has drawn criticism, and the unit has struggled to find rhythm or consistency.
While there’s been no indication that Monken is on the verge of being let go, his name is now being floated in connection with a high-profile college job. According to reports, the University of Michigan has reached out to Monken as it searches for a new head coach following the firing of Sherrone Moore.
Monken, of course, has a strong college résumé. He helped lead Georgia to back-to-back national championships and has experience navigating both the college and NFL landscapes. If Michigan is serious-and if Monken is interested-this could be a compelling opportunity for both sides.
What Happens If Monken Leaves?
If Monken does depart for Ann Arbor, the Ravens’ offensive outlook could shift dramatically. Yes, they still have elite talent in Jackson, Derrick Henry, and rising star Zay Flowers.
But the offense needs work. Receiver depth remains an issue, and the offensive line has been inconsistent all season.
A change at coordinator could spark a philosophical reset-maybe even a much-needed one. The Ravens have the pieces to be a top-tier offense, but they haven’t put it all together. If Monken exits, it could open the door for a fresh approach, one that better aligns with Jackson’s strengths and the team’s overall identity.
Looking Ahead
The Ravens aren’t blowing it all up-but they’re not standing pat either. With the playoffs slipping away and a fanbase growing restless, change feels inevitable. Whether it’s at head coach, coordinator, or deeper within the roster, Baltimore is heading into an offseason where tough decisions will need to be made.
The good news? They still have a franchise quarterback in his prime, a defense with cornerstone players, and a front office that’s shown it can reload quickly. But after a season that promised so much and delivered so little, the Ravens will need more than talent to right the ship.
They’ll need vision. They’ll need urgency. And above all, they’ll need to get the next round of decisions right.