Randy Moss Says Ravens Must Hire Coach Who Elevates Lamar Jackson in Playoffs

Randy Moss urged the Baltimore Ravens to prioritize Lamar Jackson’s postseason growth when selecting their next head coach, calling playoff performance the franchise’s missing piece.

Web Desk | January 11, 2026

The Baltimore Ravens’ search for a new head coach has drawn strong opinions from Hall of Famer Randy Moss, who believes the decision must center on one factor above all others: maximizing Lamar Jackson’s postseason success.

Baltimore missed the playoffs in 2025 for only the second time in Jackson’s tenure, prompting the organization to part ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh after an 18 year run. While Harbaugh helped stabilize the franchise and develop Jackson into a two time MVP, repeated playoff disappointments ultimately defined the end of his era.

Speaking on NFL on ESPN, Moss said the Ravens’ next coach must be someone who can unlock Jackson’s best version in January, not just during the regular season.

“The next head coach that comes into Baltimore needs to be able to bring out the best in Lamar Jackson,” Moss said. “Coach Harbaugh brought out the best in him in the regular season. Now they need someone who can do it in the postseason.”

Moss pointed to the sharp statistical contrast between Jackson’s regular season dominance and his playoff struggles. Jackson owns a career passer rating above 102 in the regular season, but that number drops significantly in postseason play, along with declines in completion rate and touchdown efficiency.

While Moss acknowledged that Jackson is not solely responsible for Baltimore’s playoff exits, he said elite quarterbacks are ultimately judged by how they perform when the stakes are highest.

Moss suggested that an offensively creative coach could be the answer, citing recent success stories in Jacksonville and Chicago where innovative play callers helped reshape struggling franchises.

Baltimore’s roster remains one of the league’s most talented, Moss added, and the right coach could quickly turn the Ravens back into Super Bowl contenders.

However, early betting odds suggest the team may lean toward a defensive minded hire, with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter currently viewed as the frontrunner. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores also remain in the mix.

For Moss, the choice is clear. Baltimore’s future, he said, depends on pairing its franchise quarterback with a coach who can translate regular season brilliance into postseason success.