Scores of questions remain about the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason plans as they head into 2017 after another playoff miss. However, Head Coach John Harbaugh said at a press conference today that the jobs of his two coordinators and special teams coach are safe.
Marty Mornhinweg was promoted to offensive coordinator five games into the season after the Ravens fired Marc Trestman following a loss to the Redskins. However, after the team finished at 8-8 on Sunday with a 27-10 loss to the Bengals, some speculated that the team might decide to replace him and start anew. Today, Harbaugh said that after much consideration, that wouldn’t be happening.
“I lie awake at night thinking about it. I think about it driving to work, driving home, what the best way to do it is and who the best people to do it are, and that’s the conclusion that I came to,” he said. “And I have the support of everyone in the organization.”
As Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com pointed out, keeping Mornhinweg at least maintains some stability for franchise quarterback Joe Flacco after five offensive coordinator changes in as many seasons. For what it’s worth, Flacco had speculated before the announcement that Mornhinweg would get to keep his job.
Harbaugh also said today that he’s planning to keep defensive coordinator Dean Pees and special teams coach Jerry Rosburg on his sideline. However, there could be some personnel changes, including a new quarterbacks coach, he said. Harbaugh also responded to reporters’ questions about his own job security by saying he isn’t worried.
Player-wise, the Ravens have 12 unrestricted free agents heading into the offseason, most notably Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk, right tackle Rick Wagner and nose tackle Brandon Williams.
Whatever happens, Harbaugh said today that he wants the next Ravens squad to be able to avoid the many close games they faced this year. A quick look at their 2016 schedule shows 11 of their 16 games were decided by seven points or less.
“We’ve got to build a football team that is not in so many close games,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to score enough points where we’re winning by 10, 14, 21, 24 points.”
