Ravens OC Declan Doyle Demands All Players Attend Voluntary OTAs

Doyle says attendance is mandatory if Ravens want to be Super Bowl contenders

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:27pm

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Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has made it clear that he expects all players, including star quarterback Lamar Jackson, to attend the team's voluntary offseason training activities (OTAs) in May. Doyle, the youngest coordinator in the NFL, said that while the OTAs are technically voluntary, they are a necessary part of building relationships and preparing for a championship run.

Why it matters

Doyle's demand is a bold move that establishes his authority and sets the tone for the Ravens' new coaching regime. After the team fired head coach John Harbaugh for not reaching the Super Bowl, the pressure is on Doyle and the young staff to deliver immediate results, making player buy-in and preparation crucial.

The details

Despite the OTAs being voluntary, Doyle said the Ravens' players must attend if they want to be Super Bowl contenders. He emphasized the importance of building relationships between players and coaches, as well as starting the new regime 'on the right foot.' Some fans initially mocked Doyle's hiring due to his young age, but after a strong year as the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator in 2025, he is now viewed as one of the top up-and-coming coordinators in the league.

  • The Ravens hired Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator in late January 2026.
  • The Ravens' voluntary OTAs are scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Declan Doyle

The 32-year-old is the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL and is taking over the Ravens' offense after a successful stint with the Chicago Bears in 2025.

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback, who Doyle expects to attend the team's voluntary OTAs.

Jesse Minter

The Ravens' new head coach, who hired Doyle as his offensive coordinator after taking the job in late January.

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What they’re saying

“We expect them to be here. It certainly is voluntary, but if you want to say that you're going to win a championship, you want to say that you have championship goals and expectations, that's going to take work and collaboration. That's going to take the beginning of building the relationship with their coaches, other players, starting off this regime on the right foot.”

— Declan Doyle, Ravens Offensive Coordinator

“I think that's a big move by Declan Doyle. It's establishing respect. It's establishing, 'I'm the offensive coordinator, but I'm wanting my quarterback here, the guy that I've seen do big things in this league to be a big part of the success that we have.' This will be the most polarizing offensive coordinator job in the league because of who Lamar Jackson is.”

— Marcus Spears, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Ravens will hold their voluntary OTAs in May 2026, where Doyle expects all players, including Lamar Jackson, to be in attendance as the team works to build relationships and prepare for a championship run.

The takeaway

Declan Doyle's bold demand for full attendance at the Ravens' voluntary OTAs sets a clear tone of accountability and high expectations as the team's new coaching staff looks to turn the page after missing the Super Bowl under the previous regime. Doyle's move establishes his authority and signals that the Ravens are serious about returning to championship contention.