The Baltimore Ravens sent shockwaves through the NFL when they fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh. Even after an extremely disappointing season, they received their fair share of backlash for letting him walk. Harbaugh immediately became a top candidate for other openings as the Ravens started their search for a replacement.
But a potential home-run hire could be available soon. After the Green Bay Packers' thrilling playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, Matt LaFleur is on the hot seat.
If the Packers choose to let him go, LaFleur would instantly become the perfect coaching candidate for the Ravens.
Matt LaFleur rumors could give Ravens the perfect John Harbaugh replacement
There's still a strong chance the Packers end up giving LaFleur another year to prove himself. He's become one of the top playcallers in the NFL in recent years and has managed to win with multiple quarterbacks. Even after such a massive disappointment, it would be surprising to see the Packers move on. But where there's smoke, there's often fire. Rumors are swirling about the head coach's job security, indicating that he could get the boot.
But if the Packers do move on, the Ravens must jump on the opportunity to sign LaFleur. He'd be an excellent fit with their offense, as he's already shown that he can call an explosive offense even without elite talent. Pair an offensive mind like that with the likes of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, and the rest of the league would have no clue what to do in response. LaFleur's run-heavy style and affinity for big plays would mesh seamlessly with what the Ravens already have in the building.
So far, most of the Ravens' other options have been somewhat disappointing. Names like Joe Brady and Anthony Weaver fall short of what Baltimore likely needs to get over the hump in the playoffs. There aren't currently many top-tier candidates available, especially if the Ravens are looking to hire a first-time head coach.
LaFleur would immediately rise to the top of the list as the ideal candidate for Baltimore. Other franchises would certainly look to bring him in, but the Ravens' level of talent on both sides of the ball could give them a leg up in the race to hire the current Packers' coach. It's still a long shot, but this move would leave no question whether firing Harbaugh was the right decision for Baltimore.