Just as the Baltimore Ravens were showered with praise for their Jesse Minter head coaching hire, they are getting similar respect for their offensive coordinator decision. On Friday, they brought in Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to call plays for quarterback Lamar Jackson and company.
At 29 years old, Doyle is one of the top rising stars on the offensive coordinator market. However, the decision to hire him is also a daring one. He has never been the playcaller in his young career, and now, he’ll have high expectations leading one of the most dynamic offenses in football.
Regardless of Doyle’s lack of experience, many believe he could be the perfect pairing for Jackson and Baltimore’s offense. Following the announcement, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes broke down why this feels like such a seamless fit.
“There’s a lot of through lines between the Bears offense and what the Ravens do, and what we think they should do,” Kimes said. “Love the fact that he worked with tight ends, the Ravens are a very tight-end-centric offense. The run game with Chicago, you saw a lot of similar creativity in terms of formation, personnel usage, motion…The difference being he gets the greatest asset to a run game anyone can have, and that’s Lamar Jackson.”
“This is an opportunity for the quarterback and playcaller to grow together. I think Lamar had a hand here,” she added.
Lamar Jackson set for major bounceback after Declan Doyle hire
Last year was rough for Jackson. Obviously, the countless injuries played a part in his inconsistencies, but there also seemed to be a disconnect between him and former offensive coordinator and current Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken. Now, he gets a fresh start with a younger mind who has the potential to bring a more innovative offense to Charm City in 2026.
Under Doyle, the Ravens should continue to lean heavily on the rushing attack led by running back Derrick Henry. They had trouble maintaining that motto for all four quarters last year, and hopefully that changes. In turn, that should open up the creativity in the passing game, especially on play actions, where Jackson can use his legs to extend plays and attack the secondary.
Overall, it became obvious after an 8-9 season in 2025 that Baltimore needed a change of pace on the coaching front. Head coach John Harbaugh and Monken were brilliant during their tenures, but it was ultimately time to go in a different direction. With the 42-year-old Minter and 29-year-old Doyle, the potential is through the roof.