Report: Lamar Jackson was actively involved in Ravens’ coaching hires, expected to begin extension talks

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafalo, Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson was “instrumental” in the team’s hiring of new head coach Jesse Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson reportedly participated in virtual interviews with head coaching candidates, including Minter, and was consulted on the hire for the team’s offensive coordinator role as well.

It had already been confirmed by general manager Eric DeCosta that multiple veteran players participated in the hiring process for head coach, but Jackson was not specifically named. However, this new reporting from the trio of NFL Network insiders doesn’t come as a surprise. As the face of the franchise and most important player on the roster, it was anticipated that Jackson would have input.

The same goes for the hiring of offensive coordinator, which was the most pivotal vacancy for Minter to fill on his staff. Given that Jackson reportedly was involved in this as well, he evidently approved of Doyle. The two could quickly form a strong working rapport and help the Ravens’ offense rebound after a subpar 2025 season. It’s also been reported previously that Jackson and Minter have a good relationship, too, so there figures to be a healthy QB-HC-OC dynamic from the get-go this coming year.

Furthermore, Rapoport, Pelissero, and Garafalo claim that these developments put to rest any potential speculation that the Ravens could try to trade Jackson. That never seemed like a realistic scenario, but there had been some rumors emerge over the past few months casting doubt on Jackson’s future in Baltimore — but it was seemingly all smoke with no fire.

Instead, Jackson is reportedly expected to begin talks with the organization on a contract extension. This is welcome news and was already outlined as one of the team’s top offseason priorities by DeCosta and owner Steve Bisciotti. The latter said the Ravens would like to extend Jackson before free agency begins next month.

Jackson has a cap hit of over $74 million for the 2026 season. If he enters into a new long-term contract, the Ravens can free up a lot of short-term money and have much more flexibility to add to improve the roster this spring and summer.