The head coaching carousel is spinning fast, and the Baltimore Ravens are still standing on the platform.
Once considered the crown jewel of this year’s coaching vacancies, the Ravens’ job remains open while other teams are locking in their future. Over the weekend, two major dominoes fell: John Harbaugh, recently let go by Baltimore, landed quickly with the New York Giants. Not long after, the Atlanta Falcons reached an agreement with Kevin Stefanski to become their next head coach.
That’s a significant development for Baltimore-not just because Stefanski is off the board, but because he was one of the more widely speculated names linked to the Ravens. Multiple reports indicated Stefanski was set for a second interview with the team, and many around the league viewed him as a serious candidate to take over in Charm City.
Instead, he’s headed to Atlanta, and the Ravens are left to reassess their shortlist.
Baltimore has reportedly cast a wide net, with 15 names in the mix. But with Stefanski now officially out of the running, the pressure is on the Ravens’ front office to accelerate the process. They’ve taken a deliberate approach so far, but as other teams move quickly to secure their top choices, Baltimore risks missing out on more high-profile options.
Stefanski would’ve been an intriguing fit in Baltimore. While his tenure in Cleveland ended with more questions than answers, there’s no denying his track record when it comes to the run game.
Back in 2019, he helped guide the Minnesota Vikings to a top-six rushing attack as their offensive coordinator. Then, during his time with the Browns from 2020 to 2022, his offense consistently ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards.
Pairing that kind of ground-game expertise with Lamar Jackson-and potentially Derrick Henry-would’ve been a fascinating experiment.
But Stefanski’s resume also comes with caveats. His recent struggles in Cleveland, even with a dominant defense, raised concerns.
Some Ravens fans were skeptical, unsure if he was the right fit to elevate the franchise in its next chapter. Still, his departure to Atlanta removes a top-tier offensive mind from the pool.
So where does Baltimore go from here?
Signs are pointing toward a defensive-minded hire. One name that keeps surfacing is Jesse Minter, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator.
Minter has ties to the Ravens organization, having served as a defensive assistant in Baltimore earlier in his career. That familiarity could play a role as the Ravens look to maintain the physical, disciplined identity that’s long defined them.
Other potential candidates reportedly on the radar include Robert Saleh, currently coordinating the 49ers’ defense, and Brian Flores, who’s helped turn around Minnesota’s unit. Both bring intensity, schematic versatility, and leadership experience-traits that would align well with Baltimore’s culture.
The bottom line? The Ravens may still have the most attractive job available, but the clock is ticking.
As more teams lock in their hires, the pool of available coaches is shrinking. Baltimore has the roster, the quarterback, and the organizational stability to attract top talent.
Now it’s about making the right move-and making it soon.
The coaching cycle is heating up. The Ravens can’t afford to stay on the sidelines much longer.