The Ravens’ head coaching search takes its first real turn, taking a strong second-chance candidate off the board

One of Baltimore’s second-round interview targets for its head coach opening is off the board.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer

Jan 18, 2026 7:21 AM EST

The search for a head coach in Baltimore has seen its first shift in the landscape. The Baltimore Ravens have been progressing through their interview process since moving on from John Harbaugh steadily, and up until yesterday, there were no candidates or names outside of Harbaugh who had settled and found a home. With no movement on the market, everyone felt to be in play.

That changed on Saturday night. The Atlanta Falcons were the first franchise to land a non-John Harbaugh head coach, and the pick seemed to interrupt the Ravens’ plans for this week.

Baltimore Ravens head coach candidate Kevin Stefanski lands in Atlanta

Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will be the next head coach in Atlanta, making him the second head coach vacancy of a whopping nine to be filled. The implication for Baltimore lies in reports that emerged on Saturday indicating the Ravens were among the teams hoping to get Stefanski back in the building for a second interview this week.

They won’t get the chance. Instead, they’ll need to pivot to their next follow-up opportunities. The good news is the Ravens have cast a wide net. There are double-digit names on the interview list, ranging from young prodigies to re-tread head coaches.

Steve Bisciotti’s words from his end-of-season press conference linger as the search continues; Baltimore should be expected to take interest in coaches who may be looking for a second chance as a coach after coming up short in their first time. Stefanski certainly would have qualified.

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