Ravens coach candidates: Who could potentially replace John Harbaugh?

BALTIMORE — For the first time in nearly two decades, the Ravens are looking for a new head coach.

John Harbaugh was fired Tuesday evening, ending his 18-year run in Baltimore just two days after the Ravens lost a de facto AFC North championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With a slew of injuries and underperformance, the Ravens fell stunningly short of preseason expectations as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

The 8-9 finish in 2025 marked just the third losing season of Harbaugh’s tenure, in which the 63-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles special teams coordinator went 180-113 in the regular season and 13-11 in the playoffs, including winning the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season.

Now, the Ravens will be hiring just their fourth coach in franchise history. Here’s an early look at the potential candidates (names are listed in alphabetic order by last name):

— Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator: The 36-year-old’s name has been floated as a potential candidate for a head coaching job for a few years. He gained recognition in 2019 after serving as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for national champion LSU, which was led by future NFL stars Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. Brady spent two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers under coach Matt Rhule before getting fired but has since led a top-10 scoring offense as the coordinator for reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and Buffalo over the past three seasons.

— Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator: Flores, 44, has already turned a second chance into a redemption tour. Since resurfacing as a coordinator, the former New England Patriots assistant and Miami Dolphins coach engineered one of the league’s most aggressive, suffocating defenses. If Flores earns another head coaching opportunity, though, he’ll need to demonstrate growth in his relationship management skills after his public fallout with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Flores’ DNA is full of intangibles and winning attitude; his reported interaction with Miami owner Stephen Ross and his unwillingness to tank was commendable. Flores would have to surround Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson with a proven offensive mind capable of maximizing a superstar talent in the middle of his prime.

— Kliff Kingsbury, recently fired Commanders offensive coordinator: Kingsbury, 46, is only one season removed from overseeing Jayden Daniels’ historic offensive breakout, and that success came despite an aging Washington roster that showed clear signs of decline at key skill positions. Kingsbury’s system thrives on spacing, tempo and quarterback confidence, elements that could translate to a new environment built around Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP. Kingsbury’s tenure as coach of the Cardinals (28-37-1) should provide caution, but in the right setting, with a stronger infrastructure and fewer personnel responsibilities, Kingsbury has shown at several spots that he can unlock elite quarterback play. He also served as coach of Texas Tech, helping mold quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes.

— Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator: The son of former Ravens offensive coordinator and Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak is a popular name this cycle because of his work in his first season calling plays in Seattle under former Ravens defensive coordinator and Coach of the Year candidate Mike Macdonald. With new quarterback Sam Darnold, the Seahawks earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed with the third-highest scoring offense in the league. Kubiak, 38, also spent a year as offensive coordinator for Minnesota in 2021 and New Orleans in 2024.

— Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator: The 38-year-old LaFleur has been the Rams’ offensive coordinator since 2023, although coach Sean McVay calls the plays. LaFleur has been a linchpin in coaching Los Angeles and Matthew Stafford to the top offense in the NFL, both by total yards per game (394.6) and passing yards per game (268.1). The Rams were also among the best in the league at avoiding sacks and interceptions while boasting a top-10 running game. This would be owner Steve Bisciotti swinging at potentially the next big, unproven commodity.

— Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator: Minter, 42, would represent continuity with an edge. A former Ravens assistant (2017 to 2020) who helped modernize Baltimore’s defense before leaving for Michigan, Minter has built a reputation as a fierce teacher whose willingness to mix his calls and disguises has resulted in sustained success at Michigan and Los Angeles under John’s younger brother, Jim.

— Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Saleh, 46, is expected to be a coaching candidate this offseason after one season back as defensive coordinator in San Francisco, which finished 12-5 despite losing star defenders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to season-ending injuries early on. His four-year tenure with the Jets left more to be desired, with a 20-36 record and the failed Aaron Rodgers experiment. His defense was consistently strong, however, a trademark both in San Francisco and New York alongside his sideline energy.

— Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator: Shula, 39, has coaching in his blood. His father Dave formerly coached the Bengals and his grandfather, Don, is the Hall of Famer who has more wins than any other NFL coach, having led the Dolphins for 25 years. Shula comes from McVay’s coaching tree having worked his way up from linebackers coach in 2017 to coordinator. If Baltimore chose Shula, he’d be a pivot from Harbaugh’s longstanding regime to a more youthful energy.

— Kevin Stefanski, former Browns coach: Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year — no small feat in Cleveland. He led the franchise to two playoff appearances, including a postseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fired Monday, Stefanski would represent a quick turnaround option, bringing postseason experience despite the Browns’ instability.