Ravens just got proof their daring offseason could deliver a slam-dunk result

The Baltimore Ravens’ offseason is just getting started. There’s a long way to go to improve the team after a forgettable 2025 campaign, and free agency and the NFL Draft present a pivotal coming months. However, regardless of what happens moving forward, Baltimore’s coaching moves may prove more crucial than any roster addition this offseason.

The Ravens made the bold decision to fire John Harbaugh after their season ended. The move initially received backlash from some media members, but the team eventually backed it up. Their hire of Jesse Minter as head coach was one of the highest-praised moves of the coaching cycle, and the ensuing signings of offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver have led to a youth movement taking over.

Still, there’s a risk in replacing proven coaches with a youthful staff. You simply don’t know what you’re going to get. However, report cards from the NFLPA support Baltimore’s daring start to the offseason.

Based on their performance last year, Minter, Doyle, and Weaver all earned grades of an ‘A-’ or better.

On the other hand, between John Harbaugh, Todd Monken, Zach Orr, and Chris Horton, their grades ranged from a ‘B-’ to a ‘B+.’

While those grades from the Ravens’ old coaching staff are respectable, there’s an obvious improvement in the eyes of the NFLPA. That should be a clear indication that this offseason’s coaching overhaul could yield slam-dunk results.

Coach report cards signal Ravens on the rise with young coaching staff

Clearly, the Ravens have some young, innovative minds taking the reins. The objective was evident this offseason: Start leaning into the new era of the NFL with younger playcallers. They’ve done that, and while it could take some time to work out the kinks, they’re setting themselves up nicely for both now and the foreseeable future.

Starting with Jesse Minter, who got an ‘A+,’ he should be an upgrade over John Harbaugh. Regardless of what Harbaugh does with the New York Giants, moving into the Minter era was a decision the Ravens had to make. Harbaugh’s message ran dry, and they got possibly the best coach on the market in Minter.

With Minter at the helm, Baltimore should be able to relocate the defensive identity that’s made them such a dominant organization over the years. The 42-year-old head coach called one of the best defenses in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers over the last two years, confusing quarterbacks, generating pressure, and forcing turnovers.

Minter also has a strong partner in crime in Anthony Weaver, who received an ‘A.’ Sure, his Miami Dolphins defense struggled in 2025, but that could be correlated to injuries and a lackluster roster. Weaver also had his defense perform well in his first year as defensive coordinator in 2024.

He may not be calling the plays; those duties will fall on Minter, but Weaver already has Ravens fans ready to run through a wall with some of his responses in interviews. His leadership style is what separates him from other coaches, and it should have a substantial impact on the players.

Declan Doyle is the greenest of the bunch, but also the most intriguing coach. Doyle’s rapid rise up the coaching ladder has come under some of the sharpest offensive minds in the game: Sean Payton and Ben Johnson.

It’ll be Doyle’s first time calling plays in 2026, and while he is just 29 years old, he is wise beyond his years. At that age, his ability to connect with players should bring a huge boost to an offense that found inconsistencies last year. In the same breath, though, there’s a ton of talent already on said offense, and adding Doyle into the equation should put limitless possibilities on the table.

Of course, it’s all speculation at this point. We’ll have to wait for Week 1 of the regular season to find out if the new coaching regime will truly work out. However, the report cards make it obvious that some players think more highly of Minter, Doyle, and Weaver than they do Harbaugh, Monken, and Orr. That in itself is a win and should bring more excitement for next season.