Jan. 25, 2026, 6:24 p.m. ET

It took a few days, but we’ve caught our breath. Hopefully, you’re feeling the same thing. A lengthy and sometimes dragging search to find the next Baltimore Ravens head coach has ended. You know what we have learned? The work is just beginning.

The leader of this transition is Jesse Minter. Rumor has it that the Ravens wanted to conduct a few more interviews, but they moved quickly to avoid seeing Minter land elsewhere.

‘Rave reviews’ would be how we’d describe the reaction. Thoughts are now on the next steps, a coming introductory press conference, and what should be done about some contracts and extensions, most notably a huge cap hit represented by Lamar Jackson.

There hasn’t been any strangeness by any means, but things have slowed for a second, and with the free time, we perused the usual Ravens channels to see what’s being said. We came across another rave review. This one comes from the Monday Morning Quarterback’s Senior NFL Reporter, Albert Breer.

“I think this is a really smart move for reasons other than his connections (to Baltimore)… Every team that had an opening, except for Buffalo, which just opened, put in a request to interview [Minter]. He was a finalist in a number of places. He’s creative, he’s got a great coaching pedigree…and he’s got incredible emotional intelligence…This is a guy who’s been able to connect with players, who’s been able to get the most out of players.”

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As Breer states, Minter impressed many on the interview circuit, but he’s home. He previously spent four seasons in Baltimore as an assistant coach. He returns and will now build his own staff.

Familiarity matters, but it won’t be enough on its own. Minter isn’t being brought back to preserve the past. He’s here to build a sustainable future.

He has been given the vote of confidence. Other franchises were willing to give him the same. He has returned to familiar halls, but the role is anything but familiar. Comfort is one thing. Command is another. Now, we find out what kind of program he’s ready to build.