The Ravens are bringing back a familiar face to their coaching staff, hiring Colts assistant Charlie Gelman in a dual role as game management coordinator and defensive assistant. Gelman steps into the spot vacated by Daniel Stern, who spent a decade with John Harbaugh’s staff and played a pivotal role in shaping Baltimore’s analytical approach to game-day decisions. Stern is expected to join the Browns as assistant head coach under Todd Monken.
For Gelman, this move marks a homecoming. He spent several formative years in Baltimore, first as a scouting analytics intern in 2019, then as a coaching research intern from 2021 to 2022, and finally as a football analyst through 2023. After that, he joined Shane Steichen’s staff in Indianapolis, where he continued to develop his expertise in game management and analytics.
The Ravens are clearly doubling down on the importance of in-game decision-making. The game management coordinator role may not grab headlines like a coordinator or position coach, but its impact is felt in the margins - those critical fourth-down calls, two-minute drills, and timeout decisions that can swing a game. Stern helped usher in a more aggressive, data-driven approach in Baltimore, especially during the early 2020s, when the Ravens were among the league leaders in going for it on fourth down.
However, in 2024 and 2025, Harbaugh dialed things back a bit. Whether that was due to personnel, situational context, or a philosophical shift, the Ravens’ decision-making became noticeably more conservative. With Gelman returning - someone who understands both the Ravens’ internal operations and the broader league trends - there’s a chance Baltimore retools its approach with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.
This isn’t just about analytics on a spreadsheet. It’s about how that information translates to real-time decisions on the sideline - decisions that can mean the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. Gelman’s blend of analytical acumen and coaching experience makes him a strong fit for a Ravens organization that values innovation but also understands the need for situational nuance.
As the league continues to evolve, roles like Gelman’s are becoming more vital. The Ravens are betting that his return will help sharpen their edge in the game’s most critical moments.