Playing to win means that sometimes you don't play it safe.
The Ravens hired a first-time head coach in Jesse Minter and he has reportedly made one of his first crucial decisions by hiring 29-year-old Declan Doyle as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator.
Doyle would be a first-time play caller and he's the same age as Lamar Jackson. That's a bold move, and it will be lauded as brilliant if Jackson reaches full bloom working with Doyle.
Jackson has won two MVPs but is coming off an injury-plagued season that wasn't his best. Bringing in Doyle would be a major fresh start for Jackson, in a new system working with the NFL's youngest coordinator.
Change has arrived in Baltimore, and I think it's going to be fascinating to watch. Here are some other Ravens thoughts this weekend, all in 50 words or less:
- Doyle was part of an offensive system in Chicago in 2025 that had impressive balance. The Bears ranked sixth overall offensively – third in rushing and 10th in passing. That sounds like a system Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers can flourish in, as well as Baltimore's other weapons.
- While Doyle is reportedly Baltimore's next offensive play-caller, Minter confirmed that he will call plays on defense. Offense is sexy, but defense still matters. Minter has earned a reputation for getting the most out of his talent. His presence could be part of a defensive resurgence in Baltimore.
- Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald and Minter are close friends and communicate often. John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh have been major influences. While Minter will do things his way, it's great to have mentors who are winners.
- People who have coached with Minter mention how quickly he solves issues. Expect Minter to speak with Macdonald about making the adjustment from coordinator to head coach. They have helped each other many times during their careers.
- Minter knows what kind of team he wants. "Our football identity – I would say – is physical, tough, relentless, and playing together," Minter said. "When you play like a Raven – you play together." You'd expect to hear that from a coach familiar with the franchise's history.
- Three of the four AFC North coaches have offensive backgrounds – Zac Taylor (Bengals), Todd Monken (Browns) and Mike McCarthy (Steelers). All three of those coaches are play-callers, and Minter will be trying to blow up their game plans.
- It's been mind-blogging how quickly the coaching landscape in the division changed. John Harbaugh has moved to the Giants, Monken is coaching the Browns, and Mike Tomlin's taking the year off. I didn't see all of that playing out once the regular season ended.
- Young coaches are flourishing. Ten head coaches are younger than Minter (42), including Joe Brady (36), Kellen Moore (37), Macdonald (38), Ben Johnson (39), and Sean McVay (39). Liam Coen, Kevin O'Connell, and Shane Steichen are 40. DeMeco Ryans is 41. Minter is a day older than Taylor.
- Minter is already being asked about improving the Ravens' performance during the playoffs. But to reach the postseason, they need to protect their home turf. The Ravens were 3-6 at "The Bank" in 2025, their worst home mark in franchise history.
- NFL assistant coaches continue to move from one team to another almost daily. It's a result of 10 teams entering next season with a new head coach. Minter is one of those coaches still completing his staff. An eventful offseason continues.
