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2 Replacements Emerge After Ravens Fire John Harbaugh

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 6:37 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens will seek a new head coach for the first time in 18 years after firing John Harbaugh on Tuesday. Some possible candidates quickly emerged.

Baltimore confirmed the groundbreaking two days after missing the playoffs with a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that concluded a disappointing 8-9 season. Two replacement options instantly surfaced on social media.

KOA's Benjamin Albright said it would be surprising if the Ravens didn't interview Kliff Kingbury. The Athletic's Dianna Russini called Baltimore "an ideal landing spot" for the recently fired Washington Commanders offensive coordinator.

Meanwhile. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah opined that Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter "makes a lot of sense" for the Ravens.

Could Kingsbury succeed Harbaugh?

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 14: Kliff Kingsbury of USC looks at the Jumbotron during pregame warmups before a game between University of Southern California and University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images)Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Kingsbury has run several prolific offenses in college and the NFL. He worked with Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, and Patrick Mahomes in college before the Arizona Cardinals boasted two top-10 offenses in his four seasons as head coach.

The former NFL quarterback then mentored Caleb Williams as a senior offensive analyst at USC before returning to the NFL as Washington's offensive coordinator. He helped Jayden Daniels win Rookie of the Year and steer the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game before the wheels fell off during an injury-plagued 2025.

Kingsbury has plenty of experience working with dynamic mobile quarterbacks, so the Ravens could be tempted by the thought of him reigniting Jackson's MVP form.

Jesse Minter worked for Harbaugh

Minter should be familiar to Ravens fans, as he spent four seasons on Harbaugh's staff as a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach from 2017 to 2020. Baltimore finished no worse than sixth in points allowed each of those seasons.

Minter worked one season as Vanderbilt's defensive coordinator before landing the same job at Michigan for Harbaugh's brother, Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines went 28-1 in his two seasons, allowing 10.3 points per game en route to a 2023 national championship.

Jim Harbaugh brought Minter back to the NFL as his defensive coordinator on the Los Angeles Chargers. They've gone 11-6 in each of the last two seasons, wielding the NFL's top scoring defense in 2024 and ranking fifth in yards allowed this season.

Minter and the Chargers are preparing for a first-round playoff matchup against the New England Patriots.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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