Ravens Could Hire In-House For New Offensive Coordinator
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP/WJZ) -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh may not have to look far to find his new offensive coordinator.
Harbaugh says, "We will be interviewing coaches inside and outside of the building."
The job became open when Jim Caldwell left Tuesday to take the head coaching job with the Detroit Lions.
"We are all so happy for Jim," Harbaugh said in a release. "He deserves this opportunity, and I congratulate the Lions for selecting him. We're disappointed that we've lost Jim. We were looking forward to making progress on offense with Jim leading the charge as coordinator. Jim is a teacher, he is honorable, he is a respected leader, and every person with the Ravens will miss him. Players and assistants respond to him. You understand why he was named Detroit's head coach and why all the other teams had him among the finalists."
Although Ravens wide receivers coach Jim Hostler is an option, Harbaugh has plenty of candidates to choose from.
He says, "I have a profile in mind, and we are excited about the coaches who have shown interest in the job."
Caldwell replaced Cam Cameron late in the 2012 season, and the results were profound.
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said of Caldwell: "We put Jim in a difficult position a year ago when we named him offensive coordinator late in the season. All he did was help us turn our offense around, and we won the Super Bowl. He has many strengths, but one that is sometimes overlooked is his ability to bring a coaching staff together. He has already succeeded as a head coach, and he will again in Detroit."
Quarterback Joe Flacco also had well wishes for Caldwell.
"He is a man that I will always respect as a football coach, leader and a friend," Flacco said. "Through his calming influence and extensive knowledge of the game, he was an integral part of our success over the past few years. He will be missed by me and the Ravens. I wish him the best of luck in Detroit."
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
