After 17 seasons leading the Ravens, Head Coach John Harbaugh remains unconcerned about the details of his forthcoming contract extension. Harbaugh’s current contract extends through 2025, and as the most successful coach in the team’s history, he has consistently secured an extension before entering the last year of an agreement.
Nevertheless, Harbaugh mentioned that contract discussions are not his primary focus as the Ravens embark on their early offseason activities. He noted that he regularly communicates with Owner Steve Bisciotti, President Sashi Brown, and General Manager Eric DeCosta. “I’m content,” Harbaugh remarked. “However the situation unfolds, I trust in God and the individuals I work with daily. They are my friends. But more importantly, we are united in a mission. I’m enthusiastic about it. I don’t stress over things like that. They resolve themselves.”
It seems the Ravens’ coaching staff won’t undergo significant changes like last offseason, when defensive coaches Mike MacDonald, Anthony Weaver, and Dennard Wilson were recruited elsewhere. Whether Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken will depart to become a head coach or remain for a third season in Baltimore is still undetermined.
Recently, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced they completed an interview with Monken, while the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly sought permission to discuss opportunities with him. Monken wasn’t among the three candidates the Jaguars slated for in-person interviews this week. One candidate, Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, withdrew from consideration. The other two are former Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh and Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham.
Harbaugh takes pride in the demand for his staff members in recent years but would be pleased if Monken stayed. The Ravens boasted the NFL’s top-ranked offense and became the first team to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. “It will be significant if, and when, Todd Monken returns,” Harbaugh stated. “I am very optimistic about it.
Todd Monken will excel as a head coach. He blends old-school coaching with a modern approach and possesses a brilliant mind. Always innovative. He collaborates well with his team. I’m thrilled about 3.0, the next phase of this offense. We discovered our identity through last offseason and this season regarding how we want to structure the offense and integrate everything.”
Harbaugh also confirmed that veteran defensive coach Dean Pees will continue in some capacity next season, having joined this season as a senior advisor to first-year Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr. “I’m grateful for Dean and the work he accomplished,” Harbaugh said. “Zach shares the same sentiment. Having Dean return was beneficial, reconnecting us with our defensive roots.
He was a valuable observer and listener for players and coaches. He is interested in maintaining some form of involvement. At his life stage, he’s unlikely to commit to full-time work. He will remain connected. He’ll continue as a consultant for us. That’s my plan. That’s his plan. And that’s positive.”
