Ravens' new coach could shape a rising contributor into his on-field reflection

The Baltimore Ravens are undergoing a retooling year in 2026. Many of the star faces, like quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and safety Kyle Hamilton, will obviously return. Still, after an abysmal 2025 season, they need a near-total revamp.

They have already got that revamp on the coaching front. After firing John Harbaugh and hiring Jesse Minter, the coaching staff looks a lot different heading into next season. There are some familiar faces, though, one of which includes new special teams coordinator Anthony Levine.

Levine was an excellent special teamer during his playing career and has quickly proved himself as a coach. He developed some bright stars in special teams coverage last year, and one who flashed the most was undrafted rookie safety Keondre Jackson. With Levine taking on a more substantial role in 2026, he could develop Jackson into a player similar to himself.

Baltimore's rookie class was underwhelming in 2025, but Jackson was a bright spot. With Levine set to call the shots in the special teams room, bigger things could be on the way. They could have their next standout contributor on special teams.

Anthony Levine should be the perfect mentor for Keondre Jackson

The Ravens’ special teams unit already loved Levine. He brings energy and intensity every day to practice, and it showed up consistently this past season, especially in punt coverage. In the eyes of kicker Tyler Loop, punter Jordan Stout, and long snapper Nick Moore, they see a bit of Levine in Jackson.

They talked about it in this clip during the 2025 season.

Jackson was initially signed to the practice squad after an encouraging preseason. He made a few appearances as a practice squad elevation on gamedays, but after safety Sanoussi Kane couldn’t carve out consistent playing time and was released, Jackson got his shot in a full-time role. He took over that spot in Week 10 and ran with it for the rest of the year.

Jackson was credited with 13 tackles on special teams throughout his rookie campaign. The highlight of his season was his forced fumble and recovery in Baltimore’s Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. It’s game-changing plays like those that ignite energy on the team’s sidelines and remind people a little bit of Levine.

In 10 years with the Ravens, Levine was a special teams ace. He was their go-to gunner who had a knack for making big-time tackles in kick and punt coverage. His 62 career tackles on special teams are still a franchise record.

Now, Levine continues to carve out an impressive Baltimore career as the lead special teams coach. If he can keep developing Jackson into an electric special teamer, the Ravens’ special teams unit could look far more consistent in 2026. He’s the perfect mentor for Jackson, and it's already shown.