Lamar Jackson Had 'Incredible' Offseason With The Ravens

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jun 23, 2026 12:54 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter loves what he's seen from Lamar Jackson before the 2026 season.

Minter replaces longtime Ravens head coach John Harbaugh after serving as Jim Harbaugh's defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines and the Los Angeles Chargers. He appointed Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator to recharge a unit that ranked 16th in total yards last season.

Doyle represents Baltimore's fourth different offensive coordinator since Jackson joined the team in 2018. Two weeks ago, Minter told reporters that the MVP quarterback has embraced another new scheme.

"(Jackson's) been incredible. He's put in the time — first of all, he's been here quite a bit and learned a lot," Jackson said on June 10, per the team transcript. "He's just an unbelievable leader and an infectious person when he's here. I think he's done a great job leading the offense in the offseason — learning, being willing to try things, do different things and learn new terminology. I know he's very excited about where we're headed."

"He's been everything"

Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) under center against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Minter is excited to have Jackson leading his squad. The four-time Pro Bowler is entering his ninth season with the organization that drafted him at No. 32 overall.

"There's nobody I'd rather have as the quarterback of this team, this franchise," Minter said. "The way that [Lamar Jackson] operates, how infectious he is, how much joy he brings to the preparation and the practice field — yes, he's been everything. You come in, and you kind of know him, but you don't know him super well. Relationships, like I talked about at the beginning, take time, and I think we've built up a good trust and communication and a good relationship. [He] plus all the guys — just the way they've operated has been very much appreciated."

While he's changed coordinators, Jackson hasn't played for an NFL head coach other than John Harbaugh. The 29-year-old doesn't seem to mind the transition, calling Minter a "breath of fresh air" last month.

"Cool dude," Jackson said of Minter. "Always has a smile on his face. I just told him on the field today, 'Every time I come in the building, you always smiling.' That's great to have."

While Jackson admitted to being "challenged" by the new offense, he predicted "a lot of big plays" under Doyle this season.

"I believe I took a lot of strides in the right direction this past week," Jackson said earlier this month. "It's a different system than what I'm accustomed to being in, and I feel like there's going to be a lot of explosiveness this year. The way Declan calls plays and his creativity with his mind — how detailed he is — it's mind-blowing. I'm excited."

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

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