Image Source: Jori Epstein
Key Takeaways
- The Baltimore Ravens have a clear advantage in their search for a new head coach due to having a established quarterback in Lamar Jackson.
- The Ravens are the only team currently looking for a head coach that is not simultaneously searching for a solution at quarterback.
- Lamar Jackson’s talent and experience make him an attractive option for potential head coaches, with one NFC executive stating that he is the "top QB and offense available for any coach".
- The Ravens’ coaching search may focus on hiring the best overall candidate, rather than someone with a specific emphasis on developing a quarterback.
- The team’s ability to move quickly on top defensive candidates could prove to be an asset in their search for a new head coach.
Introduction to the Coaching Search
The Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams that will be interviewing head coaches in the coming weeks, and they know that one of the most important questions they must answer is how they will identify and develop a young quarterback. Similarly, the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans will be looking for a head coach who can help mold and develop their first-round quarterbacks, Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. However, the Baltimore Ravens are in a unique position, as they are the only team currently looking for a head coach that is not simultaneously searching for a solution at quarterback.
The Advantage of Having Lamar Jackson
As the Ravens announced the departure of 18-year head coach John Harbaugh, they became the most attractive team in the NFL for potential head coaches. With Lamar Jackson under contract, the Ravens have a clear advantage in their search for a new head coach. As one NFC executive told Yahoo Sports, "The jobs this cycle all lack QBs like normal so he’s definitely the top QB and offense available for any coach." Jackson’s talent and experience make him an attractive option for potential head coaches, and his ability to thrive in any scheme is a major plus.
Jackson’s Impressive Resume
Lamar Jackson has shown that he can succeed in the NFL, with four Pro Bowl berths, three All-Pro honors, and two MVP awards. He has completed 64.8% of his passes for 22,608 yards and 187 passing touchdowns to 56 interceptions, and his 102.2 career passer rating and 8.25 air yards per attempt currently hold the all-time career records, per Pro Football Reference. Additionally, Jackson has rushed for 6,522 yards and 35 touchdowns, making him a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs as well as his arm.
Health Concerns and Endorsement
However, Jackson’s health has been inconsistent at times, and he has missed games due to injuries. Despite this, he has shown that he can thrive when healthy, and his Week 18 return from a back injury in Pittsburgh was a prime example of his ability to perform under pressure. When asked about his relationship with Harbaugh, Jackson said, "Yes, I believe so. I don’t know where the noise came from. I don’t know where the noise came from." However, after the Ravens’ final game, Jackson did not endorse Harbaugh as his head coach for next season, stating that he was "stunned" and "still trying to process what’s going on."
The Coaching Search Begins
The Ravens’ coaching search has begun, and team owner Steve Bisciotti stated that the team will move quickly to find a new head coach. The team’s ability to attract top defensive candidates, including the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Rams’ Chris Shula, and Houston Texans’ Matt Burke, could prove to be an asset in their search. As fullback Patrick Ricard said, "We have so much talent on this team, and it’s just disappointing that we’re not able to be the team that’s able to execute and win games when we need to win games… As long as we have Lamar Jackson, I feel like this team can win a Super Bowl."
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