How OC loss could impact Ravens HC search

How coaching departures impact Ravens HC search

With Baltimore flipping the page to a new regime, it may only be a matter of time before more Ravens assistants flock to the Giants. And while it remains to be seen how many — if any — defensive coaches head to New York, the loss of its offensive play caller could mean the Ravens lean that way when finding their next coach.

Of the 10 coaches who have already interviewed for the job, it's been a 50-50 split in terms of candidates with an offensive or defensive background. Per the team's official website, the Ravens also have reported scheduled interviews with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as well as four coaches currently in the playoffs: Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Baltimore has shown it can win no matter its coach's background. Brian Billick, the team's 1999 hire, arrived after six seasons as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator. Harbaugh was a longtime special teams coordinator and coached defensive backs for the Philadelphia Eagles directly before becoming Billick's successor.

Both won a Lombardi Trophy, making the Ravens arguably the most attractive opening on the market. In addition to a track record of stability, two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is a huge draw.

That should make finding the right offensive mind the top priority in Baltimore. It needs someone who can connect with and continue to bring out the best in their franchise quarterback.

Why Mike McDaniel could make most sense for Ravens HC job

Among the prospective candidates, McDaniel could be the most enticing. It's hard to argue he didn't get the most out of the Miami Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The team peaked under McDaniel in 2023, when it ranked No. 2 in scoring offense (29.2 points per game) and Tagovailoa earned his first (and, to this point, only) Pro Bowl honor.

As one of the league's top offensive minds, McDaniel's run scheme in particular could be devastating in Baltimore, which can deploy Jackson, five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry and dynamic speedster Keaton Mitchell, a 2026 restricted free agent.

On Tuesday, Ravens owner Steve Biscotti offered insight into the ongoing search, telling reporters, "Unlike 18 years ago, I am very intrigued by coaches that were the hottest offensive and defensive coordinators from five, six or seven years ago...and got jobs and went to teams that were non-competitive and didn't have a quarterback."

Any coaching hire will need a solid staff plan, with an offensive-minded coach needing to fortify the defense and vice versa. The Ravens can go in any direction, but the questions on offense are more pronounced with Monken out. If Baltimore retains defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the decision could be easier. And of the top offensive head coaching candidates, few may have as much upside as McDaniel.