Ravens coaching candidates: Who could replace John Harbaugh?
- - Ravens coaching candidates: Who could replace John Harbaugh?
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY January 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM
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When it comes to coaching searches in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens are true outliers.
After a fairly predictable start to the offseason firing cycle, the Ravens infused some distinct drama to this portion of the league calendar with Tuesday's announcement that coach John Harbaugh had been fired.
Immediately, Baltimore stood apart from a somewhat uninspiring set of openings as the premier destination. That was in part due to its previous standing as a leading Super Bowl contender in the AFC and a star-laden roster featuring six Pro Bowl selections this year, tied for the most of any team.
But Baltimore has also been a beacon of stability alongside opponents that haven't been inclined to match the organization's patience. Harbaugh was only the third coach in franchise history, and his 18-year tenure was the second longest in the NFL.
NFL calendar has arrived:
"Black Monday," with teams often taking swift action to shake up their coaching staffs and front offices with the season complete. In the shake up, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season that landed it the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>A dreaded day on the NFL calendar has arrived:
"Black Monday," with teams often taking swift action to shake up their coaching staffs and front offices with the season complete. In the shake up, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season that landed it the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_joeZV5L1QUbj_YpvJ83xw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97c9bcc774aed6bfca8092df4c7e6d17 class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
A dreaded day on the NFL calendar has arrived:
"Black Monday," with teams often taking swift action to shake up their coaching staffs and front offices with the season complete. In the shake up, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season that landed it the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
">A dreaded day on the NFL calendar has arrived:
"Black Monday," with teams often taking swift action to shake up their coaching staffs and front offices with the season complete. In the shake up, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season that landed it the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_joeZV5L1QUbj_YpvJ83xw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97c9bcc774aed6bfca8092df4c7e6d17 class=caas-img>The Tennessee Titans dismissed head coach Brian Callahan after a 3-14 record during the 2025 season.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_P9R3MxuxOqZReFYz_fcJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f643d5f02b5c17ccf4b5b537dab70e66 class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
The Tennessee Titans dismissed head coach Brian Callahan after a 3-14 record during the 2025 season.
">The Tennessee Titans dismissed head coach Brian Callahan after a 3-14 record during the 2025 season.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_P9R3MxuxOqZReFYz_fcJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f643d5f02b5c17ccf4b5b537dab70e66 class=caas-img>The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris after an 8-9 record for the 2025 season.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RUezF5SFGMhmFbfw5UCwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/734950fc636a679af61477d3c91f21b5 class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris after an 8-9 record for the 2025 season.
">The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris after an 8-9 record for the 2025 season.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RUezF5SFGMhmFbfw5UCwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/734950fc636a679af61477d3c91f21b5 class=caas-img>Cleveland Browns, Stefanski is expected to speak with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans about their coaching vacancies, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>After being let go by the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski is expected to speak with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans about their coaching vacancies, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XEIafkycmg9k17AnwfgTCg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d35c4f455328665cc496188dcc2eeab9 class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
After being let go by the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski is expected to speak with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans about their coaching vacancies, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
">After being let go by the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski is expected to speak with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Tennessee Titans about their coaching vacancies, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XEIafkycmg9k17AnwfgTCg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d35c4f455328665cc496188dcc2eeab9 class=caas-img>Arizona Cardinals are moving on from coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons, the team announced Monday. The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record under Gannon.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The Arizona Cardinals are moving on from coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons, the team announced Monday. The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record under Gannon.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RSFRrl2ss6DlJiQaIAgk_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41de541ca79a43ddc42f429649ef23ba class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
The Arizona Cardinals are moving on from coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons, the team announced Monday. The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record under Gannon.
">The Arizona Cardinals are moving on from coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons, the team announced Monday. The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record under Gannon.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RSFRrl2ss6DlJiQaIAgk_w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41de541ca79a43ddc42f429649ef23ba class=caas-img>The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll in November. The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9jDGOOrFPvsFrIduUxr9uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5578e9015f0343fff2643b93d288e798 class=caas-img data-headline="NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches" data-caption="
The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll in November. The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record.
">The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll in November. The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9jDGOOrFPvsFrIduUxr9uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5578e9015f0343fff2643b93d288e798 class=caas-img>
1 / 6NFL Black Monday: See the teams that cut ties with head coaches
A dreaded day on the NFL calendar has arrived:
"Black Monday," with teams often taking swift action to shake up their coaching staffs and front offices with the season complete. In the shake up, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after a 3-14 season that landed it the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the long-running partnership unraveled rather quickly in the aftermath of Sunday's season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens have largely eschewed the quick-fix mindset that has engulfed many less successful franchises. Baltimore has placed a premium on a draft-and-develop method – occasionally to a fault – as well as leveraging analytics to create a sustainable infrastructure for staying competitive.
And it doesn't hurt to have a two-time NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson in place at quarterback, either, even if his presence necessitates some creativity and special consideration for his skill set.
The overall dynamic is a far more enticing one than head-coaching candidates typically find elsewhere, setting the Ravens up to have their pick from this year's pool.
But where exactly might Baltimore be inclined to look for Harbaugh's replacement? It's difficult to say given that this will be owner Steve Bisciotti's second hire, but here are nine figures who could be leading candidates to become the Ravens' next head coach:
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator
Maybe it's a bit awkward to hire a protege of the Harbaugh family who previously served under John as Ravens assistant from 2017-20. But here's to betting that all parties could get over it relatively quickly. Minter has established himself as one of the most promising young minds on either side of the ball. Despite the defense shaping up as a largely undermanned unit short on significant investments, the Bolts ranked fifth this season in yards allowed. Given his background, Minter could allow Baltimore to retain some of its identity while still providing a fresh and needed voice to spark an underachieving group.
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator
If Baltimore is inclined to go the offensive route, Kubiak might be one of the leading options. He's certainly no stranger to the organization, with his father, Gary, having served as the Ravens' offensive coordinator in 2014, where his work orchestrating an attack that ranked eighth in scoring helped him score the top job with the Denver Broncos. Klint has made his own name with the New Orleans Saints last year and now the Seahawks. The explosive passing attack he's managed to unleash in the Pacific Northwest might be a significant draw for Jackson, though it remains to be seen how Kubiak would cater his scheme to the singular signal-caller.
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
The Ravens are hardly guilty of chasing trends in a fashion similar to other NFL teams. Yet the notion of hiring from the Sean McVay tree still might be appealing to Baltimore, especially with Shula looking ripe for a top job. Shula took a defense that had the lowest overall spend in 2025 and turned it into one of the league's more formidable groups. That ability to develop young talent from the middle to later rounds could be key for a franchise that's failed to support its star players in several spots.
Kevin Stefanski, former Cleveland Browns coach
Could the Ravens really sell the idea of moving on from the winningest coach in franchise history to hire someone who went 8-26 in the last two years? Baltimore would have to bank on the notion that Stefanski is far more than the outings that got him the boot from Cleveland, though a prior run that included two NFL Coach of the Year awards suggests that very well might be the case. But for a franchise that seems intent on winning right away given the roster's current construction, there might be no better blend of experience and play-calling acumen.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
Before the Ravens' Week 10 win over the Vikings, Flores lauded Jackson for what he called significant and multi-faceted growth. Might he actually get a chance to coach the quarterback in a highly anticipated potential return to the head-coaching ranks? Flores' standing as one of football's premier defensive minds is unimpeachable, with his unit ranking third in yards per play this season despite shouldering a heavy burden due to the offense's many slip-ups. His aggressive yet disciplined approach toward generating a pass rush could revitalize a group that was unable to generate pressure in key spots throughout this season. His pending lawsuit against the NFL for alleged discriminatory hiring practices could complicate his candidacy, but Flores could offer the Ravens an opportunity to return to their roots with a dominant defense at the core of the franchise's identity.
Kliff Kingsbury, former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
Jumping from the unemployment line to the league's most coveted vacancy might seem like a bit much for Kingsbury. But if the Ravens center their search on maximizing Jackson's ability, it would stand to reason that Kingsbury would at least factor into the team's process in some manner. Few play-callers can match his track record of developing an attack around a dual-threat quarterback, with Commanders signal-caller Jayden Daniels on Monday giving a glowing review to the coordinator with whom he said he had a "special relationship." Even with Kingsbury's head-coaching experience, however, this might be quite a gamble.
Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator
With his team on a bye, Joseph already has become a staple of the interview circuit – and rightfully so. Another superlative campaign from his defense has underscored that Joseph could be ready for another go at a top job. And after his time leading the Broncos was marred by an inability to find a solution at quarterback, what better setup for him than inheriting Jackson so that he can focus his efforts on turning things around on the other side of the ball?
Anthony Weaver, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator
He's certainly a known entity to Baltimore, with the former defensive lineman having played four years for the franchise before serving as an assistant under Harbaugh from 2021-23. But following up this significant shake-up by installing the former assistant head coach would be a strange solution to a franchise seeking a new chapter.
Robert Saleh, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator
The former New York Jets coach's candidacy to land another top job this offseason might be flying a bit under the radar. In a testament to his scheme and sharpness, Saleh's defense showed remarkable resilience in navigating the losses of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. A good deal of the Jets' dysfunction did not fall on him, though he'll have to team up with a top play-caller after his previous offensive staffs proved to play a significant role in his undoing.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ravens coach candidates: Who could replace John Harbaugh?
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