In this week’s episode of the UKRavens Podcast, Ashley is joined by James and Gordon for an in-depth look at how Jesse Minter’s coaching staff is rapidly taking shape, and why this feels like one of the most significant organisational shifts the Ravens have made in years. With hires coming thick and fast on both sides of the ball, the episode is a detailed exploration of philosophy, fit, and what this new era could look like on the field.

The conversation begins with the appointment of Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator, a move that signals a clear break from the Ravens’ recent past. The panel unpack why this is a genuine swing-for-the-fences hire, discussing Doyle’s background under Sean Payton and Ben Johnson, his lack of play-calling experience, and why the Ravens appear comfortable betting on youth, innovation and scheme fit rather than familiarity. There’s deep discussion around how a West Coast based offense paired with wide zone concepts could unlock Lamar Jackson in new ways, particularly with personnel better suited to zone blocking than gap-heavy schemes.

That leads naturally into a major talking point: the offensive line. The hiring of Dwayne Ledford as offensive line coach and run game coordinator is described as a coup, with the group outlining why Ledford is one of the most highly regarded line coaches in the league. They explore how this hire changes the outlook for players like Tyler Linderbaum, what it might mean for contract decisions and free agency priorities, and why certain profiles simply may not fit the scheme going forward. The episode also touches on the importance of investing in the trenches now that Baltimore finally has the coaching infrastructure to maximise that talent.

The offensive staff discussion continues with the additions of Eddie Faulkner and Joe Lombardi, focusing on the importance of surrounding a young coordinator with experience. Rather than viewing these hires as threats to Doyle, the panel frame them as a support system designed to give him the best chance of success. There’s thoughtful debate about succession planning, continuity, and whether the Ravens are quietly building an offensive ecosystem that can survive inevitable coaching turnover if things go well.

On the defensive side, the return of Anthony Weaver draws significant praise. The group break down why Weaver’s previous stint in Baltimore produced some of the best balance the Ravens have had between run defense and pass rush, and why his presence alongside Minter feels like a perfect complement. There’s also excitement around Mike Mickens joining as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, with discussion of his reputation as a developer, his college track record, and the sense that the Ravens are quietly stacking future defensive coordinator candidates within the building.

Further additions such as PJ Volker and Charlie Gellman spark a wider conversation about trust, analytics, game management and how Minter may be structuring his responsibilities as a first-time head coach who will still call defensive plays. The panel consider how these roles could improve situational football, an area that has frustrated Ravens fans for years.

The episode also reacts to Jesse Minter’s first press conference, noting its understated tone but picking out key themes that mattered, particularly his repeated emphasis on the team being at its best when it matters most. The discussion reflects on how that message aligns with the Ravens’ recent playoff struggles and why it struck such a chord.

Elsewhere, the pod touches on league-wide coaching movement, including Todd Monken’s departure to Cleveland and what his legacy in Baltimore should be, along with brief discussion of cryptic social media posts from Nnamdi Madubuike and what, if anything, Ravens fans should read into them.

In this week’s episode of the UKRavens Podcast, Ian is joined by James, Ashley and Gordon to react to the biggest news of the offseason so far as the Baltimore Ravens appoint Jesse Minter as their new head coach. It’s a landmark moment for the franchise, and the conversation reflects both the excitement and the scale of what this decision could mean for the future.

The episode opens with immediate reaction to the hire, with consensus that Minter was the standout candidate on the market and a name the group had been aligned on for some time. The discussion centres on why the Ravens moved decisively, the sense that competition from other teams accelerated the timeline, and why Baltimore felt confident enough to act before completing every remaining interview.

From there, the focus shifts to what Jesse Minter actually brings as a football coach. There is an in-depth breakdown of his defensive philosophy, drawing on his work at Michigan and with the Chargers. The panel explore how Minter uses light boxes, disguises coverages, manufactures pressure without heavy blitzing, and builds his scheme around elite versatile defenders. Comparisons are made between Derwin James’ usage in Los Angeles and Kyle Hamilton’s role in Baltimore, with optimism that Hamilton could be unleashed to an even greater level under Minter.

The episode also digs into roster fit. The group discuss why players like Roquan Smith, Travis Jones and Kyle Hamilton make Baltimore a natural landing spot for Minter’s system, while also being honest about where reinforcements are still needed, particularly along the defensive line and at edge rusher. There’s thoughtful debate on whether Minter’s schematic ability reduces the need for a blockbuster edge signing, or whether one true difference maker is still required.

Attention then turns to Minter’s coaching background, tracing his journey from growing up around college football under his father Rick Minter, through Notre Dame, Michigan, Vanderbilt and the Ravens, to becoming one of the most respected defensive minds in the sport. The panel push back against the idea that he is simply a “Harbaugh tree” hire, highlighting his two decades of coaching experience and his role in shaping the modern Ravens defensive identity alongside Mike Macdonald and Zach Orr.

A major portion of the episode is dedicated to the offensive coordinator search, which may ultimately define how successful this hire becomes. The group debate the merits of stability versus upside, discussing candidates such as Joe Brady, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy, Davis Webb and Nathan Scheelhaase. There’s a detailed examination of what Lamar Jackson needs at this stage of his career, whether the Ravens should prioritise an experienced “adult” play caller, and how much weight Lamar’s reported preferences should carry.

The discussion also touches on potential free agent and coaching connections from Minter’s time in Los Angeles and college football, including whether familiar faces could follow him to Baltimore and accelerate the transition into his system.

The episode closes with a sense of cautious optimism. While many questions remain, the Ravens have clearly committed to a new direction built around defensive excellence, modern teaching and long term vision. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in Baltimore, and one that could reshape the franchise for years to come.

In this week’s episode of the UKRavens Podcast, Shane is joined by Gordon, Ashley and Ian for a wide ranging and deeply thoughtful discussion that captures the Ravens firmly in offseason mode, with no games to review but no shortage of major storylines shaping the future of the franchise.

The episode opens with the mood around Baltimore following a weekend that at least brought some minor comfort, as the Steelers were convincingly beaten. From there, the conversation quickly turns to the biggest topic of the offseason: the Ravens’ head coaching search. With John Harbaugh gone for the first time in nearly two decades, the panel work through the growing list of confirmed and rumoured candidates, discussing what it says about the organisation’s priorities and how exhaustive the process appears to be.

There is detailed debate around offensive versus defensive head coach philosophies, with strong arguments laid out on both sides. The discussion touches on names such as Jesse Minter, Robert Saleh, Brian Flores, Anthony Weaver and Kevin Stefanski, weighing their strengths, past situations and how they might fit with Lamar Jackson and the current roster. The group also examine the risks of hiring very young candidates, the appeal of experienced coaches who may have been burned elsewhere, and whether familiarity with the Ravens organisation should be seen as a positive or a negative.

The conversation then pivots to Steve Bisciotti’s press conference, his first in seven years, which provided rare insight into how the owner views the state of the franchise. The panel analyse his candid comments on the Harbaugh firing, including the timing, the decision making process, and the reasons behind the move. There is honest discussion about how the situation was handled, what may have been left unsaid, and why the explanation around coaching failures and lack of player development stood out so strongly.

Lamar Jackson’s role in the future of the Ravens is another central theme. The group break down Bisciotti’s comments on Lamar’s contract, his involvement in the coaching search, and what felt like a clear challenge for Lamar to step into an even greater leadership role. The mechanics of a potential extension, the urgency around timing, and the wider narrative surrounding Lamar are all explored in depth.

Attention also turns to roster uncertainty, particularly the future of Nnamdi Madubuike following his serious injury. The panel discuss what the lack of updates might signal, the potential implications for the salary cap, and the sobering reality that this could be a career altering moment for a player who had become a defensive cornerstone.

Looking further ahead, the episode reflects on Bisciotti’s comments about ownership succession and his long term plans for the franchise. With a rough ten year horizon mentioned, the discussion explores what Ravens fans may take for granted with stable ownership, and why the next decade feels especially important for capitalising on the current competitive window.

The episode closes with a look at individual recognition around the league, including the Ravens’ All Pro selections. Kyle Hamilton’s continued excellence, Jordan Stout’s standout season and Pat Ricard’s recognition are all discussed, along with which players could be in line for future honours if the team gets things right.