The Baltimore Ravens are deep into their head coaching search, and while they’ve cast a wide net - 15 candidates interviewed or scheduled, with 10 already spoken to - the clock is starting to tick a little louder. With playoff teams still holding onto some of the top coaching prospects, Baltimore has been patient. But patience only lasts so long in the NFL, especially now that the first domino of the 2026 hiring cycle has officially fallen.
That domino? John Harbaugh.
The longtime Ravens head coach is now the new man in charge for the New York Giants. It’s a quick turnaround for Harbaugh, but not a surprising one - his name was always going to be at the top of the list for teams looking for a proven leader.
His departure, though, puts a spotlight squarely on the Ravens’ front office as they look to shape the next era of football in Baltimore.
Owner Steve Bisciotti and GM Eric DeCosta offered a bit of insight into what they’re looking for in their next hire. Bisciotti noted he’s intrigued by experienced candidates - specifically, coaches who’ve been through the fire, maybe even fired, but have rebounded and re-established themselves as serious contenders. That kind of resilience is something the Ravens clearly value.
Enter Kevin Stefanski.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Stefanski - the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns - is a name to watch closely in Baltimore’s search. Graziano pointed out that the Ravens know Stefanski well, having faced his Browns teams regularly over the last six years.
Baltimore went 8-4 in those matchups, but the familiarity runs deeper than just wins and losses. Stefanski has earned respect around the league for his steady hand and offensive acumen, even in the face of constant quarterback turnover in Cleveland.
And that’s the key here. Stefanski had to work with 13 different starting quarterbacks during his tenure in Cleveland.
Thirteen. That’s a revolving door few coaches could survive, let alone thrive under.
But Stefanski still managed to guide the Browns to the playoffs in both 2020 and 2023, earning NFL Coach of the Year honors in each of those seasons. When the pieces were in place, he showed he could build a competitive, physical football team - especially on the ground, where his run schemes were among the league’s best.
Now imagine what he could do with a true franchise quarterback like Lamar Jackson.
That’s the draw for Stefanski, and it’s what makes Baltimore one of the most attractive openings on the board. The culture is already built.
The roster is playoff-caliber. And with Jackson not only locked in but reportedly involved in the coaching search, an offensive-minded leader like Stefanski would make a lot of sense.
Yes, the Ravens' offense was up and down in 2025. And yes, Stefanski’s Browns teams weren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard in recent years.
But context matters. Talent matters.
And in Baltimore, Stefanski would be walking into a situation with more stability, more weapons, and a quarterback who can elevate any system.
There’s still no clear frontrunner - at least not publicly - and the Ravens are keeping their cards close to the vest. But with the coaching carousel officially in motion, and with Baltimore’s leadership signaling a preference for experience and resilience, Stefanski’s name is one that’s going to keep coming up.
The Ravens don’t just need a coach. They need the right coach to lead a team that’s built to win now. Stefanski, with his proven track record and offensive pedigree, just might be that guy.