Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti confirmed that star quarterback Lamar Jackson will have a say in who the next head coach is.
After 18 seasons, the Baltimore Ravens moved on from John Harbaugh and are now engaged in finding only the fourth head coach in franchise history.
Considering the search will be exhaustive, and this next hire must find a way to elevate Lamar Jackson, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti confirmed that the star quarterback would have a say in who is hired.
Bisciotti did indicate that he will listen to all opinions, but the ultimate say will still come down to him. Regardless, this is a confirmation that the organization understands the value of Jackson and the importance of this next hire being able to work with the two-time MVP.
"I think Eric made it clear to Lamar ... I think he's talking to him, texting Lamar after every interview, whether it's Zoom or in person. I think he is getting some opinions from Lamar," Bisciotti said.
Bisciotti also indicated that he offered Lamar to be a part of the in-person interviews, and it's an invitation the quarterback indicated he would accept.
"I said to Lamar last night, 'When they call me up from Florida, you better get your ass up here too. Because if you want to do the interviewing, these are going to be full-day meetings like they were 18 years ago.' And they go from department to department to department, right? So, I said to Lamar, 'You can jump on my plane, or find another way to get up there. But if you are that interested, then we're gonna get a schedule, he is gonna call me up and offer you the same luxury.' And I said, 'I hope you take it.' And he said, 'Yes, sir, I think I will.' So, we will see," Bisciotti said.
It makes a lot of sense that Bisciotti and DeCosta would want Jackson in the interviews for the next head coach, as he is the face of the franchise. The next head coach needs to succeed where Harbaugh failed.
While Bisciotti and DeCosta pointed to the overall roster, coaching, and players, Jackson's not playing well in the playoffs is a big issue that needs to be corrected.
The next head coach has to work in tandem with Jackson. Even if they are defensive-minded, they need to find the right offensive coordinator who can help Jackson and the whole offense take that next step so the Ravens can make it to the big show.
Despite Bisciotti stating that Jackson would be sitting in interviews if he chooses to, he also made it known that the decision will not be left up to Jackson.
"I care very much about the players, but I keep the power," Bisciotti said.