How much say will Lamar Jackson have in Baltimore Ravens’ HC hire? | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

Lamar Jackson's Influence on Coaching Hire

• 💡 There is speculation about Lamar Jackson's preference for a head coach with prior experience, though his exact desires are unknown due to his limited media interactions.
• 💬 Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti stated that Lamar will have "a lot of say" but "no power" in the head coach selection, asserting his own ultimate authority.

Importance of Player Input

• 🔑 Teams are expected to give star quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson a "seat at the table" to hear their opinions, even if they don't hold the final decision-making power.
• 🗣️ Being heard makes players feel respected, as highlighted by the example of Aaron Rodgers' desire for input on player acquisitions like Odell Beckham Jr. in Green Bay.

Financial & Contractual Urgency

• 💰 Lamar Jackson's high cap number of $74.5 million for the current and next year makes a new contract a critical issue for the Ravens.
• 🚀 The team needs to expedite a new contract with Lamar, as they cannot afford another lengthy negotiation process like the previous one.

Lamar's Value to the Ravens

• ✨ Lamar Jackson is considered synonymous with the Ravens' identity and is recognized as one of the greatest players in franchise history, bringing a unique skill set to the league.
• ✅ For the team's continued success, it is crucial to have Lamar "on board" with organizational decisions, including the coaching hire.

Owner's Decision-Making Role

• 🎯 The owner, Steve Bisciotti, ultimately bears the responsibility for the coaching hire and must make the decision that he can confidently stand by.
• ⚠️ Relying solely on player recommendations for coaches can be problematic, as players might prioritize personal rapport over a coach's ability to lead the team to victory.