The Baltimore Ravens are closing in on their next offensive coordinator, and it looks like the race is down to two familiar names: Joe Brady and Kliff Kingsbury. Both coaches recently interviewed for Baltimore's head coaching vacancy, and while that job ultimately went to Jesse Minter, the Ravens clearly liked what they heard from each candidate. Now, with Minter at the helm, the focus shifts to who will be calling plays in Charm City.
Let’s break down the contenders.
Joe Brady: The Young Strategist with a Proven Track Record
Brady, just 36 years old, has quickly built a résumé that’s hard to ignore. After getting his start in 2013 as a linebackers coach at William & Mary, he made stops at Penn State and with the New Orleans Saints, where he worked as an offensive assistant.
But it was his single season at LSU in 2019 that really put him on the map. As the Tigers’ passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach, Brady helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in college football history - a unit that featured Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson, and rolled to a national title.
That success catapulted him into the NFL, where he became the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Things didn’t pan out in Carolina - he was let go before the end of his second season - but Brady found new life in Buffalo. He joined the Bills in 2022 as a quarterbacks coach and eventually took over as offensive coordinator after Ken Dorsey was dismissed.
In 2025, Brady’s offense in Buffalo was nothing short of dynamic. The Bills ranked fourth in both total yards and points scored, first in rushing yards, and 15th in passing yards. That’s a well-balanced attack, built around a strong run game and efficient scoring - something that could pair well with the Ravens’ identity, especially if they want to lean into Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities.
Kliff Kingsbury: The Air Raid Architect with NFL Experience
Then there’s Kingsbury, who brings a different flavor to the table. The 46-year-old has long been associated with wide-open, pass-heavy offenses.
He was hired as Texas Tech’s head coach in 2013 and spent six seasons there, compiling a 35-40 record and earning three bowl appearances. While his win-loss record wasn’t eye-popping, his offensive creativity stood out - and it eventually earned him a shot in the NFL.
Kingsbury briefly accepted the offensive coordinator job at USC in 2019, but quickly pivoted to the NFL when the Arizona Cardinals came calling. He spent four seasons as the Cardinals’ head coach, going 26-33-1 with one playoff appearance. His time in Arizona had its ups and downs, but his offensive system - built around tempo, spacing, and quarterback-friendly reads - helped develop Kyler Murray into a Pro Bowl-caliber player early in his career.
After parting ways with Arizona, Kingsbury returned to USC as a quarterbacks coach before landing with the Commanders in 2024 as their offensive coordinator. That stint came to an end earlier this week, making him available just as Baltimore’s OC spot opened up.
Two Different Styles, One Big Decision
So, what does this mean for the Ravens?
If they want to double down on a strong run game and build off what’s already working with Lamar Jackson, Brady might be the guy. His recent success in Buffalo - especially leading the league in rushing - suggests he can craft a system that complements Jackson’s strengths while keeping the offense balanced and explosive.
On the flip side, if Baltimore is looking to evolve their passing game and add more vertical threats, Kingsbury’s Air Raid roots could bring a new dimension to the offense. His track record developing quarterbacks and designing high-octane passing attacks could help unlock another level in Baltimore’s offense - especially if the Ravens want to push the ball downfield more consistently.
Jesse Minter’s first big hire as head coach will set the tone for his regime. Whether he goes with the young, ascending mind in Brady or the experienced, innovative Kingsbury, the Ravens are clearly aiming to keep their offense dynamic - and dangerous - heading into 2026.