The Ravens are casting a wide net in their search for a new head coach, and one of the names now in the mix is Darren Rizzi, currently the special teams coordinator for the Denver Broncos. According to reports, Baltimore plans to interview Rizzi as they look to fill the vacancy left by longtime head coach John Harbaugh.
This isn’t Rizzi’s first time in the head coaching conversation-he previously interviewed with the Giants before they ultimately hired Harbaugh. Now, the Ravens are circling back to a familiar coaching archetype: a special teams mind with leadership chops.
That’s no coincidence. Harbaugh himself came up through the special teams ranks before becoming one of the most successful coaches in franchise history.
Baltimore clearly values that path.
Rizzi brings a deep résumé to the table. While this is his first season on the Broncos’ staff, he’s no stranger to high-level coaching.
He worked under Sean Payton in New Orleans and stayed on board when Dennis Allen took over as head coach. When Allen was let go during the 2024 season, Rizzi stepped in as interim head coach and led the Saints to a 3-5 finish during a turbulent stretch.
That brief stint as interim head coach gave Rizzi a shot at the top job, and while the record wasn’t flashy, it was a valuable trial run. He had to steady a team midseason and keep things competitive-no small task in the NFL.
Before his time in New Orleans and Denver, Rizzi spent nearly a decade with the Miami Dolphins, serving as their special teams coordinator from 2009 to 2018. That kind of longevity in one of the league’s most detail-oriented and high-pressure roles speaks volumes.
Special teams might not always grab headlines, but it’s where discipline, preparation, and situational awareness are constantly tested. Rizzi’s units were consistently well-coached, and that reputation has followed him throughout his career.
For the Ravens, this interview signals a continued appreciation for coaches who understand the game from all three phases. Rizzi’s experience-especially his ability to lead in tough situations and his long-standing reputation as a sharp, detail-oriented coach-makes him a compelling candidate as Baltimore looks to turn the page after nearly two decades under Harbaugh.
As the Ravens weigh their options, Rizzi’s name is one to keep an eye on. He fits the mold of a coach who can command a locker room, manage a game, and bring a fresh but grounded perspective to an organization that’s used to stability and success.