Baltimore Ravens’ Search for New Head Coach: A Second Chance for Experienced Candidates
The Baltimore Ravens are taking a unique approach in their search for a new head coach, considering candidates who have previously held the position but struggled in their first stint. According to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, the team will not rule out a candidate solely based on their past record as a head coach.
“The one thing that I know that I will probably take it on the chin is if our final candidate is an ex-[head] coach who has a losing record,” Bisciotti said. “And you all are going to have to understand that we are going to be able to judge that failure with his circumstances and marry that up and not disqualify them.” The Ravens have already interviewed nine coaches, including five with losing records as head coaches: Vance Joseph (11-21), Kevin Stefanski (45-56), Kliff Kingsbury (28-37-1), Brian Flores (24-25), and Jim Schwartz (29-51), as well as Robert Saleh (20-36).
Understanding the Circumstances
Bisciotti emphasized the importance of considering the circumstances surrounding a coach’s previous tenure, rather than just their win-loss record. “I think you have to remember that they were the hottest coaches in their cycle, and they got jobs and they got tough jobs, and I don’t think we have a tough job,” he said. “I think that we created the best opening in this cycle, and so, that was the one category that I didn’t want to ignore, because the first thing you all are going to say is, ‘My God, he went 38-48 in his last job, and they’re hiring him.'” Bisciotti’s approach is centered around finding the right fit for the team, rather than just focusing on a coach’s past performance.
Other candidates who have been interviewed by the Ravens include Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The team is also scheduled to talk with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
Patient Approach
Bisciotti has expressed his desire to avoid the common cycle of hiring a new coach every three to four years, instead opting for a more patient approach. “To me, that’s hell on Earth,” he said. “So, we’re going to make it right, and we’re going to make it so right that we’re going to have a lot of patience. Is that fair to say? We’re going to be so confident in our choice that we’re going to grant him a decent amount of patience.” This approach is reflected in Bisciotti’s willingness to give the new coach five or six years to achieve success, as long as he likes what he sees in the coach’s overall performance.
In addition to the coaching search, Bisciotti also addressed the topic of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract. He hopes to get a new deal done with Jackson by March, as the quarterback’s salary cap number is set to balloon to $74.5 million this offseason. Bisciotti has kept Jackson informed about the coaching search, with general manager Eric DeCosta texting the quarterback after each interview. Jackson has also been invited to attend the final round of interviews in Baltimore.
Future Plans
Bisciotti also discussed his plans for the future, including his expectation to sell the Ravens in about 10 years. He has decided not to pass the team down to his family, citing the potential for feuds and conflicts. Instead, he hopes to win a couple of Super Bowls and then sell the team, potentially when he is around 75 years old. Bisciotti expressed his confidence in DeCosta, stating that he is one of the best general managers in the league and that he has been pleased with his performance.
As the Ravens continue their search for a new head coach, it is clear that they are taking a thoughtful and patient approach. By considering candidates with previous head coaching experience, Bisciotti and DeCosta are looking for the right fit for the team, rather than just focusing on a coach’s past record. With a strong roster and a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are well-positioned for success in the future.
