Norv-Turner-Browns

With the announcement yesterday that Jim Caldwell will now patrol the sidelines in Detroit as their Head Coach speculation is already rampant about who the Ravens will hire to replace their now former Offensive Coordinator. There are many possible choices some realistic and others a bit of a stretch.

Let’s take a look at some possibilities.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Jim Hostler (Ravens Wide Receivers Coach) : Baltimore has usually filled open psoitions from within the organization and that would make Hostler the odds on favorite to assume the job. He’s familiar with the roster and what John Harbaugh wants to accomplish. He’s also the only coach with experience as a coordinator having run the Forty Niners offense in 2007. As you may have noticed that stint lasted only one season as San Francisco fell to the bottom of the league in offensive production. Would the Ravens give him a shot a redemption?

Juan Castillo (Ravens Offensive Line Coach): Somethings tells me if this would be announced they may need to call in the National Guard around Pratt Street. Castillo isn’t the most popular coach among fans these days considering the awkward transition of influence he had among the offensive line and the subsequent failure of the group and the usually dependable running game. I’d also consider it a long shot since he’s never held that position before however that didn’t stop Andy Reid from naming him his Defensive Coordinator in 2011 in Philadelphia. Would Harbaugh hand the reigns over to his old friend?

Brad Childress (Chiefs Spread Game Analyst): Yet another name with ties to John Harbaugh. Childress does have experience as an Offensive Coordinator on the college and Pro Level. His most recent work in Cleveland running the offense ended with him being let go after only one season in 2012.

Norv Turner (Browns Offensive Coordinator): Say what you will about his inabilities as  Head Coach he’s had a lot of success running an offense and is still considered the best candidate, if he is available. That is really the trick here as he is still under contract with Cleveland while the Browns attempt to find yet another Head Coach. It may take until February before his contract situation is sorted out and you wonder if the Ravens want to wait for him.

Rob Chudzinski (former Browns Head Coach): Chud was dumped after only one season at the Factory of Sadness as he had to deal with three quarterbacks and a trade of his top running back to attempt to score points. Another coach with multiple experiences under his belt he was hired by Cleveland after piloting Carolina for two seasons with Cam Newton under center. He’d be an interesting choice. I’m sure he’d be especially excited to coach in the same division as his old bosses.

Gary Kubiak (former Texans Head Coach): Some will probably point to the Texans collapse this past season to stay away but Kubiak has had a wealth of success in the NFL. He’s been an assistant with Super Bowl teams such as San Francisco and Denver and his offenses were often ranked in the top ten or higher wherever he’s been. The big question may be his health considering his “mini-stroke” in November.

Matt Jergensen
Matt Jergensen

Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.

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