The Ravens build their offense around Lamar Jackson, and part of being a coach is building relationships.
Head Coach Jesse Minter isn't surprised that people are asking about his offseason interactions with Baltimore's two-time MVP quarterback. Jackson played his first eight seasons under John Harbaugh, and now there's a new head coach-quarterback dynamic as Baltimore looks ahead to the 2026 season.
The Ravens also have a new Offensive Coordinator, Declan Doyle, and new Quarterbacks Coach, Israel Woolfork, who are eager to work with Jackson.
Minter won't give play-by-play on exactly what he and Jackson have discussed in recent weeks. However, Minter described their interactions as positive and productive, as the bond between them continues to grow.
"[I] keep most of that private, but we've had a good amount of conversations," Minter said at the NFL Combine. "Relationships are built over time, they're built through communication, they're built through being honest, they're built through being open. Myself, Declan, I think we've done a good job of keeping in contact with him without being overbearing.
"He's been a Raven for a long time. It's new for us. It's not new for him. Just trying to build that trust, build that relationship. I think it's gone well, and I'm super-excited to get a chance to work with Lamar."
Change can be a catalyst for success. Both teams in the most recent Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, had a head coach and quarterback who were in their first season working together.
Minter and Jackson both want the same result – to help the Ravens reach their ultimate destination. There's no perfect blueprint for building a great relationship, but Minter and Jackson have begun the process. The new head coach is enjoying their talks and looks forward to seeing Jackson daily.
"We've had a multitude of conversations, I would say wide-ranging," Minter said. "A lot about football, not about football, everything. I think we're at a point now where we can pretty much ask each other anything."
Minter was on the Ravens' defensive coaching staff for four seasons (2017-2020), which included Jackson's first three NFL seasons. That time together gives Minter insight into Jackson's personality and desire to win. He's the kind of quarterback that coaches dream about working with, and Minter is not taking that opportunity for granted.
"[I] was with him early in his career," Minter said. "[He's] super-competitive. He's a really good teammate. He cares a lot about his teammates and their success.
"Not surprised by any of that, but just even more, I would say excited to get a chance to work with Lamar on a daily basis, knowing that's the type of person, the type of leader that he really wants to be."
