Baltimore Ravens’ new head coach, Jesse Minter, made it unequivocally clear during his introductory press conference that he will be responsible for calling defensive plays. This announcement came on Thursday as Minter affirmed his commitment to a hands-on approach that has characterized his rise from a defensive assistant to a respected figure in the NFL. However, the more pressing concern for the Ravens remains unanswered: who will lead the offense?
After a disappointing series of seasons marked by defensive shortcomings, Minter steps into his role following the Ravens’ losses in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and a divisional round defeat to the Buffalo Bills in 2024. The Ravens missed the playoffs entirely during the last season, highlighting the urgency for improvement.
Minter is no stranger to the Ravens, having previously served as a defensive assistant and later as the defensive backs coach from 2017 to 2020. Following his departure, he became the defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt and then joined Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan, where he contributed to a national championship victory in 2023. Most recently, Minter helped the Los Angeles Chargers significantly improve their defensive performance over the past two seasons.
In his introductory remarks, Minter outlined his criteria for assembling his coaching staff, particularly the offensive coordinator position, which remains vacant. “I’m looking for leaders, connectors, relationship builders, and schematic experts,” he stated. “Most importantly, I want coaches whom the players believe in—coaches who are willing to form strong relationships with the team.”
The Ravens have reportedly interviewed Scottie Montgomery, the Lions’ assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, along with Davis Webb, the Broncos’ pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, for the offensive coordinator role. The new hire will face the challenge of revitalizing an offense that struggled with consistency, finishing 16th in the NFL with an average of 332.2 yards per game.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, endured a turbulent season marred by injuries, concluding with a disappointing 6-7 record as a starter. His performance declined, with rushing statistics hitting career lows and his explosiveness diminishing. As Minter and the Ravens look to define their future, maximizing Jackson’s potential in his age-29 season is a critical priority.
Jackson’s current financial situation adds another layer of complexity. His cap number is set to reach $74.5 million in the upcoming season, accounting for approximately a quarter of the team’s projected salary cap. A restructure of his contract is essential for Baltimore to build a more competitive roster around him. Minter emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “I look forward to connecting with [Jackson], helping him become the best version of himself.”
The absence of Jackson from Minter’s introductory press conference raised eyebrows, particularly as only nine players attended to show their support. Notable veterans, including Jackson, Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Mark Andrews, were missing. While Jackson was not required to attend, owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta had recently urged Jackson to improve communication and collaboration with the franchise.
In contrast, key players from other franchises, such as Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans, supported their new head coaches during their introductions, underscoring the importance of leadership presence during transitions.
Minter noted that he and Jackson have already engaged in multiple conversations, expressing optimism about building a relationship. “It’s been great to get to know him,” Minter said. “Relationships take time, and we’re working towards that.”
As the Ravens navigate this pivotal period, they must balance protecting their franchise quarterback while encouraging Jackson to take on a more pronounced leadership role. Former offensive coordinator and current Browns coach Todd Monken acknowledged that he struggled to connect with Jackson, indicating a need for improvement in their relationship.
Minter inherits the challenge of fostering a cohesive football identity that emphasizes physicality, toughness, and teamwork. “I want people to see a team that plays for each other,” he remarked. “There’s a physicality and mental toughness that comes with that.”
As Minter establishes the defensive foundation, the Ravens face significant work ahead to define their offensive strategy, fill the coaching staff, and effectively leverage Jackson’s talents while addressing his contract situation. The forthcoming decisions will undoubtedly shape the Ravens’ trajectory in the coming seasons.
