How involved will Lamar Jackson be in Ravens’ head coaching search? | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

Lamar Jackson's Role in Coaching Search

• 💡 The current situation suggests the Baltimore Ravens are committed to Lamar Jackson, viewing him as the "crown jewel" of the franchise and not considering trading him.
• 🎯 The team's primary goal in the coaching search is to find a coach who can maximize Lamar Jackson's potential and build a great team around him, similar to the John Elway/Mike Shanahan dynamic.

Lessons from Deshaun Watson's Departure

• ⚠️ The fractured relationship between Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans serves as a cautionary example, stemming from Watson feeling ignored during their coaching and GM search.
• 📌 Watson's desire to leave the Texans was initially triggered by the team's perceived disrespect regarding his input on new coaching and general manager hires.

Arguments for Player Involvement

• ✅ It's suggested that the Ravens should involve Lamar Jackson or at least invite him to the coaching interviews, acknowledging the critical importance of the relationship between the quarterback and the head coach.
• 🔑 Giving Lamar Jackson a "seat at the table" and listening to his input is seen as a way to get the most out of him, even if his preferred candidate isn't ultimately hired.

Concerns About Player Input

• 🚫 A counter-argument highlights that players might prioritize a coach's personal likeability or "coolness" over their football acumen, which may not lead to consistent winning.
• 🧠 Winning organizations often have a coach who is a "psycho" and drives the team hard, making them tough for difficult moments, rather than focusing on comfort or being "buddies."

Observing Coach-Player Dynamics

• 🔍 Witnessing the interaction between Lamar Jackson and potential coaches during interviews is considered crucial to project how their day-to-day relationship might unfold.
• 📊 This observation can provide important information on whether the relationship has a chance of working, gauging Lamar's engagement and reaction to a coach's directness.

Future Outlook for the Ravens

• 📈 The head coaching decision is a "huge moment" for the Ravens organization, given their current position in team history.
• 💰 The team also faces challenges with aging players on large contracts and significant dead cap numbers (e.g., Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Ronnie Stanley, Mark Andrews), impacting the team's future alongside the coaching choice.