The Ravens’ head coaching search continues to expand, and the latest name expected to join the mix is Darren Rizzi, the Broncos' assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. According to reports, Baltimore plans to interview Rizzi as they cast a wide net in their pursuit of a new leader on the sidelines.
Rizzi is no stranger to the interview process. He sat down with the Giants earlier this offseason for their head coaching vacancy, and now he’s in line to meet with a Ravens organization that’s clearly doing its due diligence. With a diverse and experienced list of candidates already interviewed, Baltimore appears committed to exploring every angle before making a decision.
Here’s a rundown of who’s been in the room with the Ravens so far:
- Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy
- Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
- Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb
- Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph
- Former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury
- Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
- Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
- Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter
- 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh
- Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady
- Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula
- Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase
- Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile
Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is also scheduled for an interview.
Now, Rizzi brings a unique résumé to the table. He’s built his coaching career from the ground up, starting back in 1993 at Colgate.
After bouncing around the college ranks for over a decade, he took the reins at Rhode Island in 2008. That lone season ended with a 3-9 record, but it opened the door to the NFL.
The Dolphins brought him on in 2010 as their special teams coordinator, and he stayed in that role for nearly a decade. His work in Miami earned him respect across the league, and in 2019, he took his talents to New Orleans to lead the Saints’ special teams unit. By 2024, he’d been promoted to assistant head coach, and after Dennis Allen was let go, Rizzi stepped in as the Saints’ interim head coach.
That brief stint at the helm gave Rizzi a taste of head coaching responsibility at the NFL level-something that could weigh heavily in his favor during the Ravens’ evaluation process. While he’s known primarily for his special teams acumen, his leadership experience and steady climb through the coaching ranks make him an intriguing candidate.
Baltimore’s approach to this search has been methodical and wide-ranging. They’ve looked at offensive minds, defensive architects, and now, a special teams guru with head coaching experience. It’s clear they’re not limiting themselves to one type of candidate-they’re looking for the right voice, the right presence, and someone who can command a locker room with credibility and vision.
Rizzi may not be the flashiest name on the list, but he brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to lead. As the Ravens continue to sort through their options, don’t be surprised if this veteran coach makes a strong impression.