Ravens Hire New Coach, Tell $74M QB Lamar Jackson to 'Run Less'

Jesse Minter takes over as Baltimore's new head coach, plans to build offense around downhill run game and play-action to protect star QB.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:31am

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The Baltimore Ravens have fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and hired Jesse Minter as their new head coach. Minter, who previously served on Harbaugh's staff, plans to shift the Ravens' offense away from Lamar Jackson's heavy rushing workload, instead focusing on an under-center, downhill run game to protect their $74 million quarterback. Minter has hired the young Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator to execute this new vision.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision to move on from Harbaugh, the winningest coach in franchise history, signals a significant shift in the team's offensive philosophy after years of relying on Lamar Jackson's dynamic running ability. Minter's plan to limit Jackson's rushing attempts is a bold move that could either revitalize the team's Super Bowl aspirations or backfire if the new approach fails to unlock postseason success.

The details

Minter, who spent two seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator, was named the Ravens' new head coach on January 22, 2026. He plans to build the offense around an under-center, downhill run game featuring Derrick Henry, creating more play-action opportunities and quarterback boot plays to protect Lamar Jackson. This is a stark contrast to the run-heavy, quarterback-centric offenses the Ravens have employed in recent years under coordinators Greg Roman and Todd Monken. Minter has hired the 29-year-old Declan Doyle, previously the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, to be the Ravens' new play-caller.

  • The Ravens fired John Harbaugh on January 7, 2026, two days after their season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • Minter was named the Ravens' new head coach on January 22, 2026.

The players

Jesse Minter

The 42-year-old is the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, taking over for the fired John Harbaugh. Minter previously served on Harbaugh's staff and spent the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' $74 million quarterback, who is coming off a season in which his rushing attempts and yards were significantly reduced due to injury.

Declan Doyle

The 29-year-old was hired as the Ravens' new offensive coordinator after previously serving in that role with the Chicago Bears, where he was credited as the architect behind the team's offensive improvement in 2025.

John Harbaugh

The winningest head coach in Ravens franchise history, who was fired after 18 seasons following the team's failure to make the playoffs in 2025.

Derrick Henry

The veteran running back who is expected to be a key part of the Ravens' new downhill run game under Minter's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know that he needs to run more. I actually think there are times where he can run less if you build an offense that takes advantage of the under center, the downhill run game.”

— Jesse Minter, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens

“This is a franchise player. There's a health element and a protection element that needs to be in place to where he's not taking some of the hits he doesn't need to.”

— Jesse Minter, Head Coach, Baltimore Ravens

“Seasoned beyond his years”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Ravens face a compressed offseason to address their offensive line depth, pass rush, and Lamar Jackson's long-term contract structure as they look to build the roster to fit Minter's new offensive vision.

The takeaway

Minter's hiring signals a significant philosophical shift for the Ravens, moving away from the run-heavy, quarterback-centric offenses of the past and towards a more balanced, under-center approach aimed at protecting their star QB Lamar Jackson. The success or failure of this transition will define the team's immediate future and their quest to end their playoff drought.