The Baltimore Ravens are inching closer to a decision in their head coaching search, and with the NFL’s hiring cycle heating up, the clock is officially ticking. After casting a wide net with 15 initial candidates, Baltimore is now preparing for second interviews-and with several dominoes already falling across the league, the urgency is rising.
Two high-profile names are already off the board. John Harbaugh has taken the reins with the New York Giants, and Kevin Stefanski, once viewed as a strong contender for the Ravens job, is headed to Atlanta to coach the Falcons. Stefanski was reportedly on Baltimore’s shortlist for a second interview, but the Falcons moved quickly to secure his services.
That leaves the Ravens with a mix of candidates still in play-some of whom are now available for in-person interviews following their teams’ playoff exits. After the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers were eliminated in the Divisional Round, Baltimore can now meet face-to-face with Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady and San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Here’s where things stand:
- The Ravens will have to wait on Klint Kubiak, Vance Joseph, and Davis Webb, whose teams advanced in the postseason.
- Joe Brady and Robert Saleh are now available for in-person interviews.
- Kevin Stefanski is officially off the market, now with the Falcons.
Let’s break down the two newest available candidates-Brady and Saleh-and what they bring to the table.
Joe Brady: A Young Mind with a Ground Game Mentality
Brady has had an up-and-down season in Buffalo, but he may have delivered his best performance when it mattered most. In the Bills’ playoff loss to Denver, Brady’s offense put up 30 points on one of the league’s stingiest defenses. It was a game plan full of creativity and adaptability-two traits any front office wants to see from a potential head coach.
What makes Brady particularly intriguing for the Ravens is his commitment to the run game. Buffalo led the NFL in rushing yards this season, and that identity aligns perfectly with Baltimore’s long-standing offensive philosophy. Even with a new coaching staff on the horizon, the Ravens have consistently leaned into a run-heavy approach, and Brady’s ability to build around that strength could make him a seamless fit.
That said, consistency has been a concern. The Bills offense had its lulls throughout the season, and Brady’s play-calling sometimes lacked rhythm. But when he’s on, he’s shown he can scheme with the best of them-and his recent playoff performance might’ve been the best possible audition for Baltimore’s brass.
Robert Saleh: A Defensive Leader Looking for a Second Shot
On the other side of the ball, Robert Saleh brings a different kind of energy. His 49ers defense was overwhelmed in a 41-6 loss to Seattle, but the final score doesn’t tell the whole story.
Despite giving up 41 points, San Francisco’s defense actually held the Seahawks to under 300 total yards. It was more about field position, turnovers, and a unit that simply ran out of steam after battling injuries all season.
Saleh is known for getting the most out of his players, regardless of the depth chart. His defenses are typically physical, disciplined, and well-coached. And while his head coaching stint with the New York Jets didn’t pan out-he went 18-33 from 2021 to 2024-there’s a sense that a more stable, talent-rich roster like Baltimore’s could give him a better shot at success the second time around.
For a Ravens team that struggled defensively this past season, Saleh’s pedigree is hard to ignore. He’s led top-tier units in the past, and his leadership style could be the spark Baltimore needs to return to its defensive roots.
What’s Next for the Ravens?
With second interviews on the horizon and more candidates becoming available by the day, the Ravens are entering the final stretch of their coaching search. They’ve done their homework, and now it’s about finding the right fit-someone who can not only lead but elevate a roster that still has championship potential.
Whether they go with a young offensive mind like Brady or a proven defensive leader like Saleh, the decision will shape the next chapter of Ravens football. And with the rest of the league moving fast, Baltimore knows it can’t afford to wait much longer.