The Baltimore Ravens are making a bold offensive shift under new head coach Jesse Minter, and they’re doing it by bringing in one of the NFL’s fastest-rising coaching minds. Declan Doyle, who served as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator last season, is heading to Baltimore to take over the same title-but with a much bigger role.
Let’s break down why this move matters and what it means for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense going forward.
A Lateral Move on Paper, a Promotion in Practice
Yes, Doyle held the OC title in Chicago. But in reality, it was head coach Ben Johnson-the architect of one of the league’s most creative offenses-who called the plays.
In Baltimore, that changes. Doyle will be handed the keys to the offense, full play-calling responsibilities included.
That’s a significant step up, and it gives him the kind of control that rising coordinators covet.
This isn't just a title swap. It’s a trust fall from Minter, who’s expected to focus on the defense while Doyle becomes the primary voice shaping the Ravens’ offensive identity.
From Sean Payton’s Tree to the Charm City
Doyle’s coaching roots trace back to one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds: Sean Payton. He was hired straight out of college by Payton’s New Orleans Saints, and he stuck around even after Payton stepped away, continuing to develop under Dennis Allen. That kind of continuity speaks volumes about his football IQ and adaptability.
When Payton returned to the sidelines in 2023 to coach the Denver Broncos, he made sure Doyle came with him, assigning him to coach tight ends-a position group Payton has historically leaned on heavily in his schemes. That stint added another layer to Doyle’s offensive education, and it’s clear that word of his talent kept spreading.
Handpicked by Ben Johnson, Proven in Chicago
When Ben Johnson took over the Bears in early 2025, he needed someone who could handle the demanding workload of organizing and structuring the offense early in the week-someone he could trust to handle the details while he focused on the big picture.
Doyle was that guy.
Johnson praised the importance of finding an OC who was “extremely detail-oriented, organized and structured,” and who could “set the table” for the week ahead. Doyle delivered, helping the Bears finish seventh in the league in Expected Points Added per play (EPA/play), according to Sumer Sports. That’s no small feat, especially in a league where offensive efficiency is at a premium.
Now, It’s Doyle’s Show in Baltimore
In Baltimore, Doyle steps into a unique opportunity. He’s not just coordinating an offense-he’s essentially the head coach of that side of the ball. And he’ll be working with one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson.
That pairing has real potential. Jackson’s dual-threat ability opens up the playbook in ways few quarterbacks can. If Doyle can blend his background in Payton-style structure with the kind of creativity needed to maximize Jackson’s talents, the Ravens could be looking at a potent new era on offense.
For Minter, this is a smart delegation. He’s a defensive mind, and by handing the offense to someone with Doyle’s pedigree and upside, he’s giving his team a chance to stay balanced and explosive on both sides of the ball.
Final Thoughts
Declan Doyle might be the youngest OC in the league, but he’s already walked through some of the NFL’s most respected coaching corridors. Now, he gets his shot to lead an offense on his terms. For the Ravens, this hire is more than just filling a vacancy-it’s a calculated investment in a coach who’s been quietly building toward this moment.
If Doyle delivers, Baltimore might have just found its next great offensive mind.