The Baltimore Ravens add a former Chiefs assistant and change their coach.
The NFL offseason is often a time for teams to reassess, retool, and make significant changes as they prepare for the upcoming season. For the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise known for its strong defensive pedigree, dynamic quarterback, and unique coaching strategies, the 2025 offseason is already shaping up to be a pivotal one. The Ravens made waves when they announced the addition of a former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach to their ranks and a change in their overall coaching structure. This move signals a shift in the Ravens’ approach, with the team clearly looking to build on their recent successes and take the next step toward a Super Bowl title.
The Baltimore Ravens have been a model of consistency over the past decade, often competing in the postseason and remaining a perennial threat in the AFC. Under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have enjoyed numerous playoff appearances, a Super Bowl win in 2013, and a highly respected defense that has been a cornerstone of their success. However, despite their many achievements, the team has often found itself falling short of reaching the ultimate goal: winning another Super Bowl. With a mix of experienced veterans, emerging stars, and an ever-evolving offensive scheme, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one where the Ravens will look to solidify their identity and take the final steps toward championship contention.
The Ravens’ Strategic Shift: A New Assistant from the Chiefs
One of the most notable changes in the Ravens’ coaching staff this offseason is the addition of a former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach. The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, culminating in a Super Bowl win and a strong presence in the playoffs. Their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and an innovative coaching staff has become the gold standard for teams aiming to build a championship contender.
For the Ravens, adding a coach from the Chiefs’ staff represents an opportunity to bring fresh ideas and an innovative approach to their organization. The Chiefs’ success in developing a high-flying, explosive offense, combined with their defensive prowess, has been a major talking point in the NFL. The Ravens, known for their defensive excellence and unique approach to football, will now look to inject some of that offensive creativity into their own system.
This coach, who has served as an assistant under Reid’s tutelage for multiple years, brings with him a wealth of experience in designing a fast-paced, dynamic offense. His background with the Chiefs means he’s well-versed in developing schemes that can challenge defenses in ways that the Ravens have not traditionally done. The Ravens have always been known for their strong defense and physical running game, but with the addition of this coach, they are making it clear that they intend to modernize their approach on offense.
The specifics of the assistant’s role remain unclear, but his experience with one of the most potent offenses in the NFL could mean a more up-tempo style, increased focus on passing concepts, and an overall shift in the way the Ravens operate on the offensive side of the ball. While Baltimore has had great success with their ground-and-pound attack led by Lamar Jackson, this move suggests the Ravens are preparing for a new era of offensive creativity.
The Coaching Change: New Direction for the Ravens
Along with adding a former Chiefs assistant to the staff, the Ravens have also made a significant change in their overall coaching structure. While head coach John Harbaugh remains firmly in place as the leader of the team, this change reflects a growing desire within the organization to reframe their approach to both offense and defense. The addition of this assistant coach and the restructuring of the coaching staff are part of the Ravens’ efforts to stay ahead of the curve and build a more dynamic, balanced team capable of competing for a Super Bowl in 2025.
The Ravens’ offense has often been seen as one-dimensional, relying heavily on Jackson’s unique ability as a dual-threat quarterback. Jackson, who has been one of the league’s most electrifying players since entering the NFL, has taken the Ravens to the playoffs multiple times and earned an MVP award in 2019. However, despite Jackson’s brilliance, the Ravens’ offense has struggled at times to keep up with more pass-heavy, high-scoring teams. As the league has evolved and offenses have become increasingly pass-oriented, the Ravens have found themselves at a crossroads.
The coaching change signals a shift away from simply relying on Jackson’s legs and physicality to win games. Instead, the Ravens are looking to expand their offensive playbook, incorporate more passing concepts, and diversify their attack. This doesn’t mean the Ravens will abandon their run-first philosophy, but it does suggest a more balanced approach that will make the offense more unpredictable and harder to defend.
Moreover, the addition of this new coach from the Chiefs also shows that the Ravens are willing to learn from the best in the business. The Chiefs’ offense, with its high-octane passing attack and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes, has set the bar for NFL offenses in recent years. By hiring someone with experience in that system, the Ravens hope to implement some of those principles into their own playcalling. The goal is to create an offense that can challenge defenses both in the air and on the ground, ensuring that the Ravens can compete with the league’s best teams in the postseason.
What This Means for Lamar Jackson
Perhaps no player stands to benefit more from these changes than Lamar Jackson. The former MVP has been the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense since he took over as the starting quarterback, and he remains one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL. However, while Jackson has been successful in leading the Ravens, his development as a passer has often been questioned. With the addition of a new offensive mind and a shift in philosophy, Jackson will be given the opportunity to further develop his passing game.
Under the guidance of the former Chiefs assistant, Jackson will likely work on becoming a more consistent and effective passer, especially in crucial moments. This could mean improving his deep-ball accuracy, decision-making under pressure, and overall command of the offense. For Jackson, who has often been criticized for his inability to perform in high-pressure passing situations, this is a golden opportunity to prove that he is capable of leading a more well-rounded, dynamic offense.
Furthermore, Jackson’s relationship with his coaching staff will be essential to the success of this transition. The Ravens are making a concerted effort to tailor the offense to Jackson’s strengths while also expanding his role as a passer. With the right coaching and support, Jackson could evolve into an even more dangerous dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs.
Impact on the Ravens’ Defense
While much of the offseason attention has been focused on the changes to the Ravens’ offense, it’s important not to overlook their defense. The Ravens have long been known for their exceptional defense, which has consistently ranked among the best in the NFL. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens’ defense will continue to be a key pillar of the team’s success.
However, the introduction of a more dynamic offensive approach could have a trickle-down effect on the defense as well. A more potent offense would put less pressure on the defense, giving them more opportunities to rest and operate in more favorable situations. Additionally, the Ravens’ defense could benefit from facing teams that are more balanced and difficult to predict, allowing them to hone their skills in a variety of game situations.
The key for the Ravens will be to strike the right balance between offense and defense. While the offensive changes may steal the headlines in the short term, the defense must continue to perform at a high level if the team is to make a deep playoff run in 2025. The Ravens’ defensive players, such as linebacker Patrick Queen, safety Kyle Hamilton, and defensive tackle Calais Campbell, will remain the backbone of the team, but the added offensive firepower will help them stay competitive against the league’s most explosive offenses.
