Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP quarterback, is one of the reasons why the Ravens head coaching position is universally considered the most desirable among the eight vacant positions.
Jackson and the Ravens next head coach must have a good relationship. This raises the issue of how much Jackson should influence who gets the job.
Reporters from The Baltimore Sun, and the Baltimore Banner have weighed in.
Sam Cohn, The Baltimore Sun: There’s a limit. The Ravens will not make it to the Super Bowl until their two-time Most Valuable Players is satisfied in a system which works for him. He is the center of attention for this team, and the face of it. It’s like saying LeBron should stay away from front office decisions. It’s asinine. Two things. After Todd Monken said that the Ravens never ‘fired all cylinders’ in a given year, they need an offensive revival. This starts with their quarterback. Jackson’s influence could be more important than Jaire Alexander, the failed experiment he urged to sign.
Brian Wacker, The Baltimore Sun: “The only difference is that James has four rings.” It’s not to say that Jackson’s opinion shouldn’t be considered. It should. But a lot? I don’t really know. It’s important to hire someone who can bring out the best in Jackson, however that may manifest itself. But they should also consider life after Jackson. “He will be entering his 9th season in 2026. He has a lot of talent, and the defense needs to be improved.”
Jonas Shaffer, The Baltimore Banner: “The Ravens should not worry about how Jackson will react to the new offensive plans of the coach. He is talented and versatile enough to work with any type of offense. They should also consider Jackson’s relationship with the other candidates they have short-listed. The Ravens need Jackson’s full support in an offseason that is so full of change. The optics would be poor and the consequences on the field could be even worse if the next coach opened organized team activities without his most important player. Jackson and the new head coach must move together. This cannot feel like a marriage arranged.
Giana Han, The Baltimore Banner: Jackson should be at the top of your list when choosing a coach. If you have built your team on him, then he must be able to work well with the coach. There’s also the issue of how much control you want to give a player, particularly one whose opinions are often mysterious. You need someone who can work well with Jackson, but also motivates him. Jackson might not choose the coach himself. While Jackson is the key player on this team, the head coach must also reach out to dozens of players. I would say that Owner Steve Bisciotti needs to evaluate the coach’s fit with Jackson, but should not give him too much power.”
Kyle Goon, The Baltimore Banner: I don’t think Jackson should have any extra influence on the search. But the Ravens must hire someone that can develop a personal relationship with the franchise quarterback. Jackson’s future will determine the success of this new head coach. The Ravens are looking for someone who is able to relate to Jackson and command his respect, while also pushing him to greater heights. “I don’t believe it’s necessary for the Ravens to hire an offensive-minded head coach in order to find someone who can connect with Jackson. But it must be among the top three or 4 qualifications in the search.”