Mink: The Ravens always operate this way. They’re patient and methodical.
The Ravens want to have as much information as possible so they can make an informed decision – not a quick decision. That means casting a wide net and talking to a range of different candidates with different backgrounds and philosophies.
They aren’t going to let any other team’s timeline influence theirs, especially when they have the top job available on the market.
We can all get caught up in the names generating the most buzz, but the Ravens trust their process. They did the same thing back in 2008 when they made an unconventional hire with then-special teams coordinator John Harbaugh, and that worked out pretty darn well.
The New York Giants went all-in courting Harbaugh. That was recruiting. The Ravens are conducting an actual search, and I think they should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to finding the right person for the job.
You also have to remember that some of the top coaches in this year’s cycle are still in the playoffs, meaning they can’t be hired yet. The Ravens already conducted first interviews with several: Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, Broncos Pass Game Coordinator Davis Webb, Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak, Rams Defensive Coordinator Chris Shula, and Rams Pass Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
The Seahawks were patient two years ago, waiting until after the Ravens lost in the AFC Championship game to hire Mike Macdonald. That worked out well for them, too.
A few coaches the Ravens interviewed have already been hired elsewhere, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “these would not have been the hires that the Ravens would have made anyway.”
