In an absolutely stunning turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens have fired head coach John Harbaugh. It represents the end of a legendary era. Harbaugh was in charge of the Ravens for 18 seasons, winning 180 regular-season games and Super Bowl XLVII.
Since joining the NFL technically as an expansion team in 1996, the Ravens have had just three head coaches. Among the most well-run organizations in the league, the Ravens embody stability and continuity. The search for Harbaugh's successor begins immediately.
Harbaugh will be a sought-after candidate on the coaching market. Baltimore also instantly becomes the most desirable opening due to excellent ownership, culture, and a history of winning. We've identified three candidates to replace Harbaugh.
Anthony Weaver, Dolphins DC
It's difficult to guess what qualities the Ravens will be looking for. They literally haven't hired a head coach since 2008. General manager Eric DeCosta was in Baltimore's college scouting department when Harbaugh assumed the role. Culture, toughness, and leadership are synonymous with the Ravens organization, so it's safe to assume that's where they'll start.
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver was drafted by the Ravens as a defensive end in 2002. He joined their coaching staff in 2021 as a position coach and run game coordinator before being promoted to assistant head coach the following year. Weaver also has multiple requests to interview for head coaching vacancies, and you'd have to assume his old Ravens organization will show interest as well.
Jesse Minter, Chargers DC
Jesse Minter will be another familiar candidate. He was a Ravens defensive assistant for four seasons (2017-20). He then went to Michigan as Jim Harbaugh's defensive coordinator and won a National Championship. Minter has graduated from the Harbaugh school of coaching, and that makes him an excellent option to land a job this cycle.
This season, Minter has overseen a Los Angeles Chargers defense that ranked fifth-best during the season in yards allowed per game (285.2). Minter isn't allowed to interview yet, as the Chargers are playing the New England Patriots on Wild-Card Weekend. If he's on Baltimore's shortlist, it would be worth waiting for him to become available.
Brian Flores, Vikings DC
Brian Flores should be a popular retread candidate this cycle. He's already being linked to the Las Vegas Raiders' vacancy due to his strong relationship with minority owner Tom Brady. Flores will draw interest, and the Ravens should join the list of potential suitors to consider giving him a second chance.
Flores' tenure as the Dolphins head coach failed to meet expectations, but he's since rehabilitated his reputation as the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator. Flores took over an underperforming defense in 2023 and has turned it into a top unit. He learned valuable lessons throughout his first go-around and is a legitimate floor raiser as a leader and motivator. The Ravens should place the defensive-minded candidate on their shortlist.
