Who Got Next? The search for a Potential New OC

Earlier today, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed reports that Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman is under consideration for the Head Coaching job at Stanford University. Roman was on Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Stanford back in 2009, and has since become known as a guru in terms of scheming up one of the NFL’s best run games. But with such a dominant run game, Roman’s system has also received criticism as he’s produced one of the NFL’s worst passing attacks. That said, Roman is a former Assistant Coach of the Year and has experience working directly with one of the league’s biggest names in former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Roman’s reputation as a run game specialist at the game’s highest level should help in recruiting as well as on field production.

Assuming Roman does get the job, if compiled a list of candidates who I believe could not only replace Roman, but help the Ravens offense evolve into a more well rounded attack. The run game will always be an important staple not only to the Ravens but to the sport as a whole. However, it’s 2022 and having a sophisticated passing attack is vital in today’s NFL. The ideal candidate would be someone who plans to truly build an offense around Lamar Jackson. One that allows Lamar to evolve as a passer and gets the most out of the wide receiver position. This has been a tired conversation among fans to say the least, but it’s worth noting that the Ravens lead the NFL in dropped passes, and have less total yards as a group than Tyreek Hill has by himself. When replacing Roman, that needs to be a focal point.

Tee Martin: Wider Receivers Coach, Baltimore Ravens

Martin would be my first guess as it’s no secret the Ravens have been known to hire from within. He has Offensive Coordinator experience from his time at USC, and was key in the development of future NFL talent such as Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquise Lee and even Randall Cobb during his stint in Kentucky as a wide receivers coach. Martin already has familiarity with Jackson and first round pick Rashod Bateman, who fans have high expectations for upon his return next season. He was also a national championship quarterback during his time at Tennessee and would be able to understand things more from Jackson’s viewpoint. Like I stated earlier Martin’s familiarity and in-house connection would make him my first guess, but he wouldn’t be my first choice.

Darrell Bevell: Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Specialist, Miami Dolphins

This was a toss up but my first choice if I had to pick a new Offensive Coordinator would be Darrell Bevell of the Miami Dolphins. Bevel has been crucial in the major leap taken by third year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s thrown his name in the MVP race this season. The Ravens saw this first hand after the Dolphins overcame a 35-14 deficit in the fourth quarter back in week 2. Miami currently is in possession of the league’s number one offense in terms of yards per attempt and the second best offense in passing yards, 1st downs, 1st down percentage and plays of 20+ yards. Bevell was also the Offensive Coordinator in Jacksonville last year before taking over as interim Head Coach after Urban Meyer’s dismissal. This tells me that Bevell is no stranger to working with young quarterbacks, and would fit right in with a quarterback like Lamar Jackson. Prior to Jacksonville Bevell spent 2 years as the Offensive Coordinator in Detroit and produced top 10 passing attacks in both years. Before that he was the offensive play-caller in Seattle for six seasons, including during their Super Bowl XLVIII victory.

Kevin Patullo: Passing Game Coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles

My top candidate spot honestly came down to Patullo and Bevell, with the ladder getting the edge due to a Super Bowl victory. However, Patullo is a great option as well in my opinion. He’s also been key in the development of an MVP candidate this season with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Jackson and Hurts respective play styles very closely resemble each other, so Patullo would already have that in his back pocket. Philly has been rolling on offense this year, especially in the passing game with Hurts on pace for career high’s in passing yards and touchdowns as well as rushing yards and touchdowns. Prior to his time with the Eagles Patullo spent time in Indianapolis as a pass game specialist and wide receivers coach under Nick Sirianni.

Bobby Slowik: Passing Game Coordinator, San Fransisco 49ers

Slowik is in his second season working as the pass game specialist under Kyle Shanahan. In 2021 Deebo Samuel was an All Pro, while George Kittle and Brandon Ayuk both hauled in over 800 yeards each. Slowik would provide a system that spreads the ball around, which seems to be when the Ravens offense is clicking the most. Slowik’s experience working under a creative offensive mind like Kyle Shanahan could see the emergence of someone like Devin Duvernay as well, who fans have been beeging to be more involved in the current offensive scheme. Shanahan like Roman, is savy run game specialist, so that could play in Slowik’s favor as well. The reason he isn’t higher on my list is because prior to 2021, Slowik spent time o the defensive side of the ball, coaching outside linebackers in Washington.

Frisman Jackson: Wide Receivers Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

If there’s one thing the Steelers know how to do well, it’s scouting and developing wide receiver talent, I mean, look no further than second round pick George Pickens. Jackson has had a history of getting the most out of his receivers, something I’m sure Ravens fans will be relieved to hear. Pittsburgh currently has 3 pass catchers over 500 yards receiving, with wide reciever Dionte Johnson catching as many passes(56) as the Ravens current top 2 receivers combined. Before joining Mike Tomlin’s staff Jackson spent 2 seasons as the pass game specialist in Carolina, where DJ Moore amassed the 7th most receiving yards in that span. Carolina was also one of the few teams in 2021 to have two wideouts crack 1,000 yards receiving.

Keep in mind, this is all purely speculative as none of us know if Roman will even get the Stanford job. However even if he doesn’t that doesn’t mean the Ravens should keep him on board this offseason. The offense has struggled to put up points consistently in the red zone, and the spacing on his route concepts has been abysmal. If you hadn’t noticed the common theme among these candidates, they all value the passing attack and the wide receiver position. Many have noticed Jackson’s growing frustrations and point to his lack of a contract as the source. I won’t get into the man’s finances but what I will say is there does seem to be some growing frustration with the current offensive system. Far too many times this season we have seen Jackson frantically trying to get the snap off as the play clock winds closer to 0. John Harbaugh pointed to communication of the play calls as the issue, which is something that has plagued Greg Roman and his offense since his days in San Fransisco over a decade ago. Stanford or no Stanford, the Ravens need to find a coordinator that can help take Jackson’s game to new heights, otherwise they run the risk of continuing to stay stagnant or even worse, losing their franchise quarterback.