Ravens Hire Respected OL Coach Dwayne Ledford

Ledford's addition to Jesse Minter's staff raises optimism about the team's offensive line and run game.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Baltimore Ravens have hired former Falcons offensive line coach and run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford to the same position on new head coach Jesse Minter's staff. Ledford is widely respected for his work developing offensive lines and coordinating successful rushing attacks, which has Ravens fans excited about the potential impact he could have on protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson and opening holes for the team's running game.

Why it matters

The Ravens' offensive line was a point of concern heading into the offseason, so Ledford's hiring addresses a key need and suggests the team is prioritizing improvement in that area. Ledford's track record of elevating offensive line play and run game production could be a major boost for the Ravens' offense as they look to build around Jackson's dual-threat abilities.

The details

In three seasons with the Falcons from 2021-2023, Ledford helped the team's offensive line improve from 27th in the league in 2021 to 5th in 2022 and 4th in 2023 in Pro Football Focus' rankings. The Falcons also finished 8th in the NFL in total rushing yards this past season despite dealing with injuries to projected starters. Ledford is known for implementing a wide zone rushing scheme that should complement Lamar Jackson's skill set well.

  • Ledford was hired by the Ravens on January 27, 2026.

The players

Dwayne Ledford

Ledford is an experienced offensive line coach who has spent the last three seasons as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jesse Minter

Minter was recently hired as the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and he is assembling his coaching staff.

Lamar Jackson

Jackson is the Ravens' star quarterback, known for his dual-threat abilities as both a passer and runner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No way. Y'all let the Ravens get one of the best OL coaches in the league who is a wide zone connoisseur. Do yall not understand what Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are about to do?! Jesus bro.”

— Breiden Fehoko

“Massive, massive move. For all the folks worried about the OL — this is a clear sign that they're all taking it seriously. One of the best coaches in the game with a fun run scheme. It's the best of both worlds.”

— Dev Panchwagh

What’s next

The Ravens will now turn their attention to hiring an offensive coordinator, with Declan Doyle and Davis Webb emerging as potential candidates. Ledford's hiring could influence the type of offensive scheme the Ravens choose to implement.

The takeaway

The Ravens have made a strong statement about prioritizing their offensive line and run game by hiring the respected Dwayne Ledford as their new offensive line coach. This move, combined with the earlier hiring of defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, suggests new head coach Jesse Minter is assembling a talented staff focused on maximizing the team's strengths, especially around star quarterback Lamar Jackson.