As the Ravens continue their search for a new head coach, they’re casting a wide net - and they’re clearly not afraid to think outside the box. With interviews underway, several offensive-minded candidates have emerged as serious contenders.
Each brings a unique philosophy and resume to the table, and all of them would shape Baltimore’s offense in very different ways. Let’s break down what these potential hires could mean for a team built around Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Kliff Kingsbury: The Quarterback Whisperer with a Spread DNA
Kliff Kingsbury sat down with the Ravens on January 12, and he’s arguably the most well-known name among the offensive candidates. His track record is a mixed bag - a 28-37-1 run as head coach of the Cardinals doesn’t scream success, but his reputation for working with quarterbacks is hard to ignore.
Kingsbury’s roots go back to his days at Texas Tech, where he thrived in Mike Leach’s Air Raid system. That offensive philosophy - spacing, tempo, and quarterback-centric design - has followed him throughout his coaching career.
He’s worked with some serious talent, too. From Patrick Mahomes in college to Kyler Murray in Arizona and most recently Jayden Daniels in Washington, Kingsbury’s fingerprints are all over some of the most exciting QB developments in recent memory.
“He’s got a rare ability to connect with quarterbacks and bring out their best,” said Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen. “Look at Kyler with and without him. Look at what Jayden Daniels just did as a rookie - historic stuff.”
That said, Kingsbury’s system doesn’t exactly scream “power run game.” But Paulsen believes that’s not a deal-breaker in Baltimore.
“He likes big backs who can punish light boxes,” Paulsen added. “He’ll spread you out, force defenses to commit fewer bodies to the box, and then let a guy like Derrick Henry go to work downhill.”
In other words, Kingsbury might not be the first name you associate with a bruising run game, but he knows how to create opportunities for it - and that could be a dangerous combination with Lamar Jackson’s mobility and Henry’s physicality.
Klint Kubiak: The Quiet Connector with a Pro-Style Pedigree
Klint Kubiak, who interviewed on January 9, brings a different kind of résumé - one built on consistency, relationships, and a deep understanding of NFL systems. The 38-year-old son of former Ravens OC Gary Kubiak has been steadily climbing the coaching ladder, with offensive coordinator stops in Minnesota, New Orleans, and most recently Seattle.
This past season, Kubiak helped lead a Seahawks offense that quietly ranked fifth in the NFL in yards per play. He got strong production out of quarterback Sam Darnold, who completed nearly 68% of his passes for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also exploded under Kubiak’s watch, hauling in 119 catches for nearly 1,800 yards.
While Kubiak might not be the most charismatic figure behind a podium, those close to him say that’s not the point.
“He’s not going to wow you in a press conference,” said Seattle radio host Brock Huard. “But he wins in the locker room.
He earns respect. That’s what matters.”
For a Ravens team that values culture and buy-in, that could be a perfect fit. Kubiak’s offenses tend to be balanced and efficient - a blend of West Coast concepts and zone running principles that could mesh well with Baltimore’s personnel.
Nate Scheelhaase: The Fast-Rising McVay Disciple
At just 35 years old, Nate Scheelhaase is turning heads - and fast. After years at Illinois and Iowa State, he’s spent the last two seasons with the Rams, earning a promotion from offensive assistant to passing game coordinator. Now, he’s on the radar for head coaching gigs across the league, including Baltimore, where he interviewed on January 17.
Scheelhaase may not have the name recognition of some other candidates, but those inside the Rams’ building speak highly of his impact.
“He’s earned every bit of this,” said Rams radio analyst D’Marco Farr. “He’s in the room with Sean McVay when it comes to game-planning - and not everyone gets in that room.”
That’s a big endorsement. McVay’s offensive tree has produced several successful head coaches, and Scheelhaase appears to be the next in line.
His rise has been quick, but it hasn’t been accidental. He’s impressed at every stop and is already playing a key role in shaping one of the league’s more innovative offenses.
For the Ravens, Scheelhaase represents a gamble on upside - a young, modern mind who could bring fresh ideas to a team that’s already built on explosive playmakers.
Davis Webb: The Young Technician with a Quarterback’s Mind
Davis Webb might be the youngest of the bunch, but don’t let the age fool you - he’s earned his shot. The 30-year-old has been Denver’s quarterbacks coach under Sean Payton for the past three seasons and recently added the title of offensive pass game coordinator. He also has the rare distinction of playing quarterback in the NFL before transitioning into coaching.
Webb’s work with rookie QB Bo Nix has drawn praise. Nix has thrown for over 7,700 yards and 54 touchdowns in his first two seasons while completing nearly 65% of his passes. That kind of development doesn’t happen by accident.
Still, questions remain about how much of Denver’s offensive success is Webb’s doing - and how much credit belongs to Sean Payton, who still calls the plays.
“Is he the guy driving the offense, or is he more of a supporting role?” asked Denver radio host Mark Schlereth.
“He’s done a great job with the quarterback, no doubt. But is that enough to hand him a head coaching job?”
Webb fits the mold of many young offensive coaches rising through the ranks - passing game specialists with a deep understanding of quarterback play. But as Schlereth pointed out, the challenge with that profile is often in the run game. Can they tie the pass game to the play-action concepts that make an offense truly hum?
That’s the question Baltimore would need to answer if they decide to bet on Webb’s upside.
What This Tells Us About Baltimore’s Priorities
The Ravens are clearly leaning into offensive innovation as they evaluate their next head coach. Each of these candidates - from the veteran Kingsbury to the up-and-comer Scheelhaase - brings a modern offensive approach with a strong quarterback focus. That tracks with Baltimore’s current identity: Lamar Jackson is the engine, and everything flows from his dynamic ability.
But the Ravens are also a team that values toughness, physicality, and balance. Derrick Henry isn’t just a luxury piece - he’s a statement about how Baltimore wants to play. The next head coach will need to marry the Ravens’ smashmouth DNA with the kind of creative, adaptable offense that can evolve in today’s NFL.
Whether that’s Kingsbury’s spread concepts, Kubiak’s steady hand, Scheelhaase’s fresh perspective, or Webb’s QB-driven design - Baltimore’s decision will tell us a lot about where this franchise is heading.
And with the talent already in place, the right hire could unlock a whole new level for this Ravens offense.