Who Will Lead the Ravens into the Post-Harbaugh Era?
For the first time in nearly two decades, 18 years to be precise, the Baltimore Ravens and owner Steve Bisciotti are searching for a new head coach. Following a meeting with Bisciotti on Tuesday afternoon, longtime head coach John Harbaugh was officially dismissed after Baltimore’s disappointing 2025-26 season. The Ravens finished 8-9 and saw their year come to a dramatic and heartbreaking end on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, Baltimore is now searching for just its fourth head coach in franchise history since relocating from Cleveland 30 years ago. With a major coaching change comes uncertainty and unpredictability regarding who the organization will choose to replace the winningest head coach in Ravens history. There are several potential candidates, ranging from offensive-minded innovators to defensive-oriented leaders with proven track records. The decision will be especially important with quarterback Lamar Jackson entering his ninth NFL season. Baltimore is seeking a coach who can maximize Jackson’s prime years and help deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl title of the Jackson era. Here is a look at four potential head coaching candidates the Ravens could consider.
Klint Kubiak
One name generating significant buzz as a potential successor to Harbaugh is Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The 38-year-old is in his first season as Seattle’s offensive coordinator after being hired last January. Kubiak, the son of former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, has quickly emerged as a top head-coaching candidate across the league. Under Kubiak’s leadership, Seattle, led by former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, finished the regular season 14-3 and earned the NFC’s top seed. The Seahawks’ offense ranked tied for seventh in total yards per game at 351.4 and averaged the third-most points per game in the league at 28.4. Kubiak also played a key role in revitalizing quarterback Sam Darnold while helping star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba break out, as he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,793. One of the strongest arguments for Kubiak is the potential hand-in-hand relationship he could build with Jackson. While Jackson has accomplished nearly everything an NFL quarterback can achieve, a Super Bowl championship remains elusive. With family ties to the organization and a proven ability to design productive offenses, Kubiak appears to be a strong option for Baltimore’s ownership and front office.
Brian Flores
On the defensive side of the ball, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has emerged as a possible fit in Baltimore. Flores, 44, is widely regarded as a brilliant defensive mind based on his work in Minnesota and his previous tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. His Dolphins tenure ended abruptly in 2021 amid significant controversy, but his defensive acumen has remained unquestioned. Flores is known for crafting aggressive and creative game plans against elite quarterbacks, including Jackson. During his time in Miami, Flores famously deployed a relentless cover-zero blitz scheme that disrupted Baltimore’s offense in a Thursday night matchup. That game remains one of the most challenging performances of Jackson’s career. One hesitation surrounding Flores is his reported difficulty collaborating with coaches and players during his time in Miami. However, with Baltimore’s defense facing questions about its identity in recent seasons, Flores could help restore the physical, dominant Ravens-style defense reminiscent of the Ray Lewis and Ed Reed era.
Jesse Minter
Another defensive candidate near the top of Baltimore’s list is Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter, 42, has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s brightest defensive minds. Currently in his second year as the Chargers’ coordinator, he has transformed Los Angeles into one of the league’s most respected defensive units. This season, the Chargers ranked fifth in yards allowed per game at 285.2 and surrendered the ninth-fewest points per game at 20.0. Minter has also helped establish a consistent pass rush, an area Baltimore has struggled with in recent years. Los Angeles finished tied for seventh in the league with 45 sacks this season after tying for fifth with 46 last year. Minter’s previous ties to the Ravens further strengthen his candidacy. From 2017 to 2020, he worked his way up Baltimore’s defensive staff, eventually becoming the team’s defensive backs coach. With his familiarity with the organization and proven defensive results, Minter would bring optimism and continuity to Baltimore’s next chapter.
Kliff Kingsbury
Rounding out the list is one of the NFL’s most recognizable offensive minds: Kliff Kingsbury. The 46-year-old most recently served as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Kingsbury has built a reputation for working with dynamic, mobile quarterbacks, most recently helping to develop Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kingsbury’s coaching career dates back to his time as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, where he coached Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel during his freshman season in 2012. He later developed an identity as a quarterback specialist during his head-coaching tenure at Texas Tech, working with Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and others. His resume also includes coaching Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams, and Case Keenum at both the collegiate and professional levels. While Kingsbury’s arrival in Baltimore would bring clear upside, it also carries risk. His offensive schemes have drawn criticism in the NFL for stagnating as seasons progress. That inconsistency led to his dismissal from the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and his recent separation from Washington despite having a year remaining on his contract. If Kingsbury were to take over in Baltimore, he would face heavy scrutiny to prove he can elevate the Ravens to the ultimate goal, winning a Super Bowl while Lamar Jackson remains under center.
