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Jamison Hensley
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens’ next head coach to succeed John Harbaugh may not be a fast-rising coordinator. Instead, it might be a mentor aiming for career redemption.
During Tuesday’s press briefing, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti signaled that he would consider candidates with prior head coaching experience, even if they ended with disappointing records.
«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 stated, «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 are currently conducting their first round of interviews, which is expected to wrap up by next week. Baltimore aims to narrow that list down to five finalists, who will have in-person interviews next week at the team facility.
Out of the nine coaches who have been interviewed by Baltimore, five hold losing records from their previous head coaching roles: Vance Joseph (11-21), Kevin Stefanski (45-56), Kliff Kingsbury (28-37-1), Brian Flores (24-25), and Jim Schwartz (29-51). Additionally, Robert Saleh (20-36) is among those with a negative record.
«I think you have to remember that they were the hottest coaches during their hiring cycles, and they faced tough assignments,» Bisciotti remarked. «I don’t believe we have a difficult role to fill, and we’ve created the best opportunity in this cycle, hence, I did not want to disregard candidates based on their previous records.»
Lamar Jackson faces an important offseason.
The two-time NFL MVP’s cap hit soars to $74.5 million this offseason. Baltimore must manage that figure before free agency kicks off, as it constitutes roughly 25% of the team’s overall salary cap.
«The urgency of that matters to me because we’ve got free agents, and I don’t want to head into free agency with that specter looming,» Bisciotti said. «I made that clear to Lamar, and I think he appreciated my position, expressing a desire to work with Eric [DeCosta, Ravens general manager] to prevent this situation from dragging into April like last time. It makes it challenging for him to assemble a roster without resolution.»
DeCosta has been in touch with Jackson throughout the coaching search, keeping the quarterback informed after each interview. Jackson has also received invitations from Bisciotti to participate in the final round of interviews in Baltimore.
Bisciotti noted there was no resentment from Harbaugh post-firing.
Bisciotti expressed regret for relieving Harbaugh over the phone but stated that Harbaugh responded with, «‘You don’t owe me anything. You granted me 18 years. You made a unique choice in hiring a special teams guy. I’m happy and content and disappointed, but I cherish and respect you.’
Two days later, Bisciotti reached out to Harbaugh for further discussion. He offered guidance on head coach openings, while Harbaugh provided insights on the Ravens.
«We’re going to be friends forever,» Bisciotti added.
Bisciotti anticipates selling the Ravens in about a decade.
He confirmed that he won’t pass the team to his family, having witnessed the family feuds afflicting other owners. For the first time, Bisciotti shared a potential timeline for selling the franchise.
Bisciotti, 65, has expressed the wish not to follow in the footsteps of owners like Jerry Jones, Arthur Blank, and Stephen Ross, who seek championships in their 80s.
«I aim to win a few Super Bowls and then step away,» Bisciotti stated. «Ideally in the next 10 years when I’m 75. That’s my aspiration.»
He added, however:
«If I have one of the leading teams at 75, I might stick around until I’m 76.»
Bisciotti expressed confidence in DeCosta.
Typically, when a head coach is let go, questions arise regarding the general manager’s job security. However, Bisciotti endorsed DeCosta’s capabilities, who has served as GM since 2019.
«I consider Eric to be one of the top GMs in the league,» he stated. «I’d estimate his success rate as 80%. I’m focusing on his successes rather than his misses. That seems reasonable to me. I’m highly satisfied with Eric.»
This period has proven challenging for DeCosta, given his close relationship with Harbaugh, as their offices and residences are adjacent.
«Eric has been very introspective about his setbacks and how they led to our dear friend being let go, and there’s no one tougher on himself than he is,» Bisciotti observed. «So, I believe I can allow him some space for now as we tackle our current situation with an open position.»
