The NFL coaching carousel is spinning at full speed, and in Baltimore, the Ravens are right in the thick of it. After parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, the franchise finds itself at a pivotal crossroads - searching for just the fourth head coach in team history. With seven vacancies still open across the league as of January 18, the Ravens are moving deliberately, but the clock is ticking.
Baltimore had its eye on Kevin Stefanski, but the former Browns head coach is heading south to take over in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Harbaugh landed in New York, where he’ll take the reins of the Giants.
That leaves the Ravens still in the hunt - and while they’ve been methodical, the urgency is starting to mount. With major roster decisions looming and other franchises locking in their hires, Baltimore may need to pick up the pace.
Over the weekend, the Ravens took a significant step forward. With the Bills and 49ers eliminated from the playoffs, Baltimore was able to complete interviews with two key coordinators: Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady and San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Those meetings brought the total to 15 - the full slate of candidates the Ravens had requested to speak with. Barring any late additions, the first round of interviews is officially in the books.
That means the Ravens are now entering the next phase of their search - narrowing the field and identifying the right leader to guide this team into its next chapter.
Who’s in the mix?
While the Ravens have kept their cards close to the vest, there’s been some buzz around the kind of coach they might be targeting. Owner Steve Bisciotti has hinted at a preference for experience - someone who’s been through the grind and can command a locker room from day one. Stefanski would’ve checked that box, but with him off the board, Baltimore may be looking elsewhere for that combination of leadership and vision.
One name that keeps surfacing is Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. And it’s not hard to see why.
Minter’s ties to Baltimore run deep. He spent four seasons with the Ravens from 2017 to 2020, working his way up the defensive staff - from defensive assistant to assistant DBs coach, and finally DBs coach. That familiarity with the organization, culture, and expectations could make for a seamless transition.
More importantly, Minter’s work in Los Angeles this past season turned heads. The Chargers finished top five in the league in yards allowed per game and forced 23 turnovers - including 19 interceptions. That’s a defense that played fast, aggressive, and smart - hallmarks of what Baltimore fans have come to expect from their team.
And the respect he commands in the locker room is real. Just ask Derwin James.
“Hell yeah,” James said when asked if Minter would make a good head coach. “He can make whatever he wants to be.
He’s that guy. He’s an alpha.
The guys play hard for him, and I just feel he’s that dude.”
That kind of endorsement from a Pro Bowl safety carries weight, especially in a city that prides itself on defensive identity.
Offensive minds in the mix
Of course, the Ravens aren’t only looking at defensive leaders. Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Baltimore - and for good reason.
Kubiak’s offense in Seattle was one of the most balanced and explosive units in the league this past season, finishing in the top 10 in multiple categories. And his stock only rose after the Seahawks dropped 41 points on the 49ers in the Divisional Round - a performance that showcased his ability to scheme against elite defenses under playoff pressure.
It’s the kind of offensive firepower that’s hard to ignore, especially with Lamar Jackson in his prime and a talented cast of playmakers around him.
Other names to watch
The Ravens have also spoken with several other high-profile candidates, including Robert Saleh, Mike McDaniel, and Brian Flores. Saleh, fresh off his stint as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, brings a fiery presence and a proven track record.
McDaniel, the former Dolphins head coach, is known for his innovative offensive mind. And Flores, now with the Vikings, has long been respected for his defensive acumen and leadership style.
At this point, though, Baltimore hasn’t moved into the second interview phase - meaning we’re still in the speculation stage. No clear frontrunner has emerged, and the organization is staying tight-lipped as it works through the final stages of its process.
What’s next?
The Ravens are known for being thorough, and they’re not going to rush this hire. But with other teams locking in their choices and the offseason calendar moving quickly, the window to act is narrowing.
Fifteen interviews. A wide range of candidates. A franchise at a turning point.
Now it’s time for Baltimore to make its move.