The Baltimore Ravens stunned the NFL on Tuesday by firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh, ending an 18‑season tenure that included a Super Bowl championship, 13 playoff wins, and the most victories in franchise history.
The move came just two days after a heartbreaking Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers eliminated Baltimore from postseason contention, capping a disappointing 8–9 season that fell far short of expectations.
Owner Steve Bisciotti called the decision “incredibly difficult,” citing both Harbaugh’s legacy and the organization’s need for a new direction after nearly two decades of stability.
The Ravens’ head‑coaching search is wide open after Harbaugh’s firing, and several top candidates have already emerged across major NFL reports.
Top Baltimore Ravens Head Coach Options (2026)
These names appear across multiple reputable reports and are widely viewed as the frontrunners:
- Kliff Kingsbury — Former Commanders OC / Cardinals HC
His offensive system is quarterback‑friendly, emphasizing spacing, tempo, and easy reads: an ideal match for Lamar Jackson’s strengths. Despite injuries in Washington, his offense still produced strong efficiency metrics over two seasons (EPA per play, success rate). Baltimore wants to modernize its passing game after an inconsistent 2025 season, so Kingsbury’s offense could unlock a more explosive, spread‑based version with Zay Flowers taking another leap this year. He would appeal to GM Eric DeCosta’s desire for innovation.
- Kevin Stefanski — Former Browns Head Coach
Stefanski is known for balanced, efficient offenses built around play‑action and the run game: concepts that fit Baltimore’s personnel. He has deep AFC North experience (as a former Browns head coach) and has beaten Baltimore multiple times with less talent. Stefanski could bring a Shanahan‑style structure that maximizes Lamar while maintaining physicality and offers a stable, proven offensive identity that used multiple tight ends in Cleveland that can be replicated with Mark Andrews (and Isaiah Likely/ Charlie Kolar if either or both are re-signed).
- Brian Flores — Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Flores’ aggressive, blitz‑heavy schemes in Minnesota align with Baltimore’s historic defensive DNA. Former Dolphins HC with a winning record and strong locker‑room leadership. He could restore Baltimore’s defensive identity after a down year, and players may respond to his intensity and clarity.
Other Strong Candidates Mentioned
- Klint Kubiak — Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
Klint comes from the Shanahan coaching tree and is a creative run‑game designer in Seattle. His offense showcases a structure that is QB-friendly. He could build a devastating play‑action and motion‑heavy offense around Lamar and the Ravens’ run game that is modern and adaptable with Derrick Henry.
- Jessie Minter — Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator
Minter was a former Ravens defensive assistant under Wink Martindale and helped Michigan win a national championship with a top‑ranked defense. He has deep familiarity with the organization’s culture and could bring a modernized version of Baltimore’s traditional defensive identity, as the Chargers were a top defensive unit this season.
