OTL: Ravens Line Up Head Coach Interviews

Happy Thursday, Ravens Flock. With the initial shock (and ensuing jubilation) out of the way in the wake of the John Harbaugh firing, attention now turns to the critical decision to be made of who will replace him at the helm of the Baltimore Ravens.

Many fans have already chosen their favorites, whether the up-and-coming offensive whiz kids, defensive coordinators known for making chicken salad out of chicken ish, or guys who used to be in the building at 1 Winning Drive. Eventually, some of us are bound to be elated, while others are disappointed – that’s life as a fan. Just try to remind yourself that nobody had heard of John Harbaugh 18 years ago.

As for the team, they’re lining up interviews, and here’s what we have so far:

The Ravens list of interview requests so far
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy
Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak
Broncos DC Vance Joseph
Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver
Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb
There will be more. There will a number of Zoom calls that will progress into in-person meetings

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) January 8, 2026

Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver

Seattle OC Klint Kubiak

Denver DC Vance Joseph

Denver Pass Game Coordinator Davis Webb

Kansas City OC Matt Nagy

As Jeff points out, most, if not all of these, are just Zoom meetings so far, as the team casts a wide net and does their homework. It will be far more interesting to see which candidates get called back in for in-person interviews.

Of the list above, the two that stick out as names fans had been floating about are Weaver and Kubiak.

Weaver, of course, is well-known inside The Castle, having been drafted by the team in the second round in 2002 out of Notre Dame (so, a smart dude!) before playing four seasons in purple. He began his coaching career in 2010 with the Florida Gators, progressing through North Texas and then moving to the NFL, where he had stints with the Jets, Bills, Browns, and Texans before coming back to the Ravens as DL Coach and Run Game Coordinator in 2021. He was promoted to Assistant Head Coach (as well as DL Coach) for the 2022-23 seasons. He seemed a logical fit to succeed Mike MacDonald as Defensive Coordinator, but was surprisingly (and regrettably) passed over for Zach Orr. He left to take that position in Miami, where he’s been for the last two seasons.

Weaver, according to Jeff Zrebiec, was always viewed by Ravens brass as more of a Head Coach candidate than a DC. Remember, he wasn’t really a Harbaugh guy – he played for Brian Billick. His only time under John was 2021-23. It’s possible Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, and Steve Bisciotti have different opinions of Weaver than did Harbs, who chose Orr.

Now, many think that Weaver would be another CEO-type coach, not really an X’s and O’s genius. Do the Ravens want to go that route again? While he would obviously know one side of the ball more deeply than John Harbaugh ever did, Weaver wouldn’t likely call defensive plays. Or do the Ravens think that the CEO thing really only worked as well as did because of Harbs’ unique skills?

I’m very curious to know their philosophy here. The majority of fans would much prefer a great mind, either offensive or defensive. I point everyone to this piece from Monday by our own Dev Panchwagh:

All in on Lamar Jackson: Your Move, Mr. Bisciotti

Pairing Lamar Jackson with an X’s and O’s wizard could make them the next great HC-QB combo.

As far as candidates for that go, Kubiak’s name tops many fan lists. Here’s some intel on him from a Seattle blogger:

– Good human. Family man.

– Has spent his life around not just football, but the NFL. He won’t be surprised by what it means to be a head coach.

– Even-keeled. Never gets too high or too low on the field or off. Players confirm he’s the same guy everyday.

– Tireless worker. Puts in tons of hours. Never thinks he’s got it all figured out.

– Comes with a complete system/scheme. He is unapologetic about being an outside zone team, with counters off of it. Excellent at details in play-action game to marry the run/pass. Creates early down explosives while always staying committed to the run.

– Smart with formations, personnel, and motion. Forces defensives to decide between matching heavy personnel or protecting explosives.

– Outsmarts himself at times. Trick plays in the middle of a series where the offense is already running smoothly, play-action on short yardage when running has been successful.

– Not a dynamic personality. He is genuine, and is who is, but he’s not a guy who is going to command a room. This is probably the biggest question mark for any team hiring him. Think Jason Garrett or his father, Gary Kubiak.

– Has not been in the same spot as an OC two years in a row due to his HC getting fired. Makes him unproven in terms of staying power as a play caller and as someone who can develop talent over time.

Some good, some bad. An honest assessment.

Throughout all of this, let’s try to remember that Steve Bisciotti became a self-made billionaire in the staffing business. Hiring people is his specialty. Have some faith.

That said, who’s your favorite candidate?

The post OTL: Ravens Line Up Head Coach Interviews appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2026/01/08/out-to-lunch/anthony-weaver-klint-kubiak/