[News] John Harbaugh Explains His Decision To Change Offensive Coordinators

[20306cab]

Since Ray Lewis retired in 2013, the ravens have gone 26 and 27 and the Ravens are on their 5th Offensive Coordinator in less than 4 years, Cameron (dismissed 12/10/12), Caldwell (dismissed 1/1/14), Kubiak (left 1/18/15), Trestman (dismissed 10/10/16), and now Mornhenwig. Maybe the problem extends beyond the OC position. Maybe, just maybe, John Harbaugh has no idea what he's doing. In 8 plus years, he still can not manage personnel, the game, or the clock. He is pretty good at doing press conferences and telling us they they need to get better.

I wish someone would throw tons of money at me for mediocrity.

Bingo!!!!! The big WINNER! Self Righteous John has become as big an egomaniacal bore as Showalter! Blame falls on everybody else, after every ridiculous, pathetic decision by these two dictators. They both go through coaches like Far Below Average Joe goes through AWFUL passes!

[allblackraven]

Ahahhhhaaahahhaha. Hilarious.

 

[NeilfromBarbados]

Some of these posts are fun to read. There's even a guy on here that states that Flacco isn't playing up to "what we're paying him"... as if he is signing the checks. LOL! It's great to love the team so much that we take some ownership. But when people don't perform, somebody gets fired. Should it be the play caller or play maker? Either way, I'm not in their front office, so I sit on the outside and watch their decisions. The players got to make plays. Perriman dropped a HUGE catch, then didn't get both feet down on a near TD. Flacco was throwing this dink-n-dunk stuff. K Dixon couldn't get traction. Many other infractions. Perhaps a new OC could provide a spark. We'll just have to see.

[Fastfingers]

We needed this. John did it right on time. Now we can expect to see better play calling. And for all those bashing Joe, if we had had a real secondary in 2014 no doubt in my mind that we would have beat NE in the championship  game. Joe is the best QB we've ever had. I hope Marty returns the Ravens back to balance. It was tough watching Joe being used incorrectly. 

[Purple Dawg 96]

I need my Ravens to get it going now my Indians just SWEPT the red sox! LETS GO! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[Barney S]

Joe was as responsible for this move as Harbaugh. His remarks calling the offense "embarrassing" rang the bell. I'm glad Harbaugh picked up on it as quick as he did. I thought Steve would have to do it.

[CaliRavenFan]

2 minutes ago, Barney S said:

Joe was as responsible for this move as Harbaugh. His remarks calling the offense "embarrassing" rang the bell. I'm glad Harbaugh picked up on it as quick as he did. I thought Steve would have to do it.

Joe hasn't been happy about our sad excuse of play calling in back to back weeks.. I wouldnt be shocked if he started the #firetrestman thing ?

[Jim from Ellicott City]

Coach Harbaugh is one of the best in the NFL, together with Ozzie and Mr. B. We have the best managed organization in football.

Coach knows how to delegate, he never demonstrates any personal ego interference, and most of all he keeps the Ravens family together, tight, focused, and forward thinking. He makes the right move for the organization when needed, not after it's too late. Thes kinds of move take guts, courage, and proven intelligence to consider the big picture.

Let's not forget the recent Super Bowl win, and many playoff seasons, each with a win. Do you detractors realize how hard this is to accomplish in this league? How many other cities have waited decades for a SB appearance?

Much gratitude to coach and this organization who are demonstratively committed to continueing a winning football tradition in this city. I am old enough to remember the flailing Bert Jones teams if the 70's who couldn't win even 1 game in the post season, or the Chiefs and Fins of the 80s and 90s who were 1 and done with regularity.

Hat tip to Coach Harbs and the front office, you bring much love and entertainment to me and my family each week, you are appreciated as much as the players!

John...Is that you?

[Jvc]

MY wishes and predictions the defense is gonna continue improve and dominate. I would expect to see Most definitely Judon and possibly corrreaaa get rotated in to help out!! This organization is awesome we always find A way to win, the offense is gonna surprise us again and remind us why fans why we lose faith lol. Joe gone get back n his drop with precision and put it n the receivers pocket like A rocket. The run game west doing his thing. Lil bumps and bruises that's what it takes to be great. It's not A sprint it's A maronthon finish strong??

[Ravenous_Ravens]

When your QB isn't happy the OC mite as well start packing! The 1st drive this Sunday needs to be three straight passes or become predictable and Joe will never get time to throw because they will know when to blow up the O line from all sides! Help the O line and become less predictable! I just want my Gunslinger back that guy that came to Bmore lighting it up! Our WRs can't get into a groove if they are not getting the ball and if they drop it go back to him and let him rebound! Joe's arm is fresh so let's open it up! The giants are Toast! Sincerely The Troll Lol

Three straight passes!? After they get rid of an OC for too much passing when you have a capable run game.. I agree with mixing it up and if done well it can benefit the offensive line greatly until Stanley and Wagner return healthy. If you can run for 5 yards a carry then you can pound the rock all day and run PA or take those mid to deep shots over the defense when they crowd the LoS.

[ravens4life86]

I expect more Balanced offense going forward with Marty... not 50 passes a game

More along the lines of the 25-30 runs to 35 passes Ravens have had during successful years

anything resembling a Trestman esque offense addicted to 45-50 passes a game and everyone gets the boot at season end.

no more excuses Harbaugh, Flacco, Ozzie enough Yesman speak your mind like Ray or Ed would...better damn make sure there is commitment 25x a game to running&balance

[verified]

I dont know much about this mortingwig character but he better get to work fast. Stanley and alex lewis need to stop being soft and come back already our Oline was fine until they started to be rookies and sit instead of playing through the pain. he needs to get perriman to work cause im starting to think hes a bust. Have yet to see him flash, im fed up.

[DENNYK]

Seen this movie before haven't we? Still see an 8-8 record and that may be a little too optimistic with who we have left on the schedule. The team needs to work on plays that get the RB outside the tackles a bit more. Tired of seeing them run into the backs of lineman for a yard or two. With game plans like that at some point you are forced to go to the pass as the last resort and we all see how that works out weekly. Tired of excuses. Just fix the darn problem and WIN.

[BigUgly]

Seen this movie before haven't we? Still see an 8-8 record and that may be a little too optimistic with who we have left on the schedule. The team needs to work on plays that get the RB outside the tackles a bit more. Tired of seeing them run into the backs of lineman for a yard or two. With game plans like that at some point you are forced to go to the pass as the last resort and we all see how that works out weekly. Tired of excuses. Just fix the darn problem and WIN.

Trestman got rid of the outside zone stretch plays from Kubiak's playbook that made Forsett so effective. Don't know how easy it would be to add them back in. Also not sure what was structurally done to the offense (formations, philosophy) to hinder it so, or if it is a simple matter of play selection.

Either way, bad on Harbs last week for not putting his boot up Trestman's backside in the 2nd quarter and dialing up more running plays. Maybe he was just trying to "be aggressive".

[BigUgly]

Joe was as responsible for this move as Harbaugh. His remarks calling the offense "embarrassing" rang the bell. I'm glad Harbaugh picked up on it as quick as he did. I thought Steve would have to do it.

Joe should also fire Morningweg, who has failed to correct his mechanical flaws an inconsistencies as QB coach.

[DENNYK]

Someone made the remark that things have gone south since Lewis, Reed and even Krueger have left. I agree that has some merit. We get a OC that fits and is productive and he leaves for greener pastures. We have a become a training facility for OC and DC coaches. That needs to be addressed if you want to keep any consistency. Next man up does not work as well as Harbs thinks does it? The guy that just moved up is under the gun and so is Harbs if this one goes south. Either way it is time to hear the fans. We are tired of the SOS that we hear each week . Pittsburgh seems to get back in the hunt quickly after they hit a down spiral. Ravens need to do the same. No Steeler fan here, but they do know how to recover in a short amount of time.

[whobilly]

Someone made the remark that things have gone south since Lewis, Reed and even Krueger have left. I agree that has some merit. We get a OC that fits and is productive and he leaves for greener pastures. We have a become a training facility for OC and DC coaches. That needs to be addressed if you want to keep any consistency. Next man up does not work as well as Harbs thinks does it? The guy that just moved up is under the gun and so is Harbs if this one goes south. Either way it is time to hear the fans. We are tired of the SOS that we hear each week . Pittsburgh seems to get back in the hunt quickly after they hit a down spiral. Ravens need to do the same. No Steeler fan here, but they do know how to recover in a short amount of time.

Paul Krueger. Really?

[whobilly]

Who had the brilliant idea to line Tucker up as a left footed kicker for the fake bad field goal? I'm at the game and as soon as they lined up I said to those around me I think the Skins already sniffed out the 12 year old youth sandlot league play before they snapped the ball. Awful.

[BigUgly]

The best OC the Ravens have had in the last decade - Kubiak - was a front office hire forced on Harbs. One wonders if Harbs likes to be surrounded by "yes men", both coaches and players. No coincidence that the guys that brought fire and passion to the SB season were promptly let go (Boldin, Pollard) or retired (Lewis, Reed). Since then, one has to think Harbs has influenced the draft, taking "character guys" like Arthur Brown and Matt Elam over question marks like Vontaze Burfict and Tyronne Matthieu (both of whom otherwise fit the Ravens mold).

I think Harbs is a great guy, and an outstanding leader and coach. As such, he should be more willing and able to accept stronger personalities and rely on what he brings to the table to focus and lead guys with more upside.

[billiejean]

Someone made the remark that things have gone south since Lewis, Reed and even Krueger have left. I agree that has some merit. We get a OC that fits and is productive and he leaves for greener pastures. We have a become a training facility for OC and DC coaches. That needs to be addressed if you want to keep any consistency. Next man up does not work as well as Harbs thinks does it? The guy that just moved up is under the gun and so is Harbs if this one goes south. Either way it is time to hear the fans. We are tired of the SOS that we hear each week . Pittsburgh seems to get back in the hunt quickly after they hit a down spiral. Ravens need to do the same. No Steeler fan here, but they do know how to recover in a short amount of time.

Lewis and Reeds time was up and Krueger? Krueger? he had one good year for us. His first three years he barely got any playing time. He went to the Browns in 2013 and had a terrible year (and got paid a ridiculous amount of money) and then in 2014 he had the best year of his career, 2015 another terrible year and got cut. The guy was not a very athletic DE and we thought he could play OLB?

[ravenwildman]

I hate to see anybody lose their job, but I think this was the right call. Trestman's offense ideologie doesn't match up well with the Ravens personnel. Nothing wrong with it, just not advantageous for the skills Flacco and WR's bring to the table. Throwing short of the chains works if you hit for a 6-7 yarder each time (or most). It's not the answer when Flacco has to check down (2-0 yards) each time. I think Flacco's best using Play action, or stretching the defense to open up the run. Just my opinion. GO RAVENS! CB 25

[RavenzOz]

No need to explain .... I was tired of seeing run-plays on second/third-and-forever, and tired of seeing third down passes to SSS shy of the first down marker that assume he can get four yards after the catch every single time.

The playbook is tired and predictable, seems to offer no adaptation to the position of the yellow line, and is a feast for opposing linebackers and safeties. It's the OC's job to make it something else, next man up.

 

Probably sounds harsh and Trestman is probably a great guy, but niceness aint no KPI for an OC.

Edited October 11, 2016 by RavenzOz

[throwback2000]

Harbs should be so gracious and understanding when its his turn to step down. Sooner rather than later!

[jravens1313]

Harbs should be so gracious and understanding when its his turn to step down. Sooner rather than later!

No. The issue has always been offensive identity. We haven't had one since Kubiak. After reading more about Marty, I believe Ozzie had a backup plan if Trestman didn't work out. I have never watched an offensive performance so poor, when we averaged 6.2 yards per carry and never trailed by more than 6 points.

[Bat-mite]

Here's hoping.... Still don't see how a new OC fixes the busted offensive line.

[iluvpurple]

I have an idea, how about Steve just fires everyone on the Ravens staff, replace most of the players, and see where we go from there? I have never seen such absolute negativity and complete vitriol directed to our Ravens and the organization..... I understand constructive criticism, but most things I read here on a daily basis are nothing short of plain nasty directed at our entire team. I think fans are spoiled, they expect a first place team every freaking season, going to the playoffs, and God forbid we don't get to the Super Bowl. Sorry, life doesn't work that way. Lets also overlook the fact we have gone to the playoffs the majority of the time with our "no-nothing" HC, "useless" QB, and worthless rest of the team and coaching staff. Oh, and even won a SB that we just lucked out with. Just makes no sense to me to be so entirely negative and mean all the time toward our organization, when in reality, we have a pretty darn good one.

[Rav'n Maniac]

Hey John, I thought when you fired Cam, that was pretty ballsy. But man, having to do it twice in one head coaching tenure takes some huge cojones. I'm liking your "do whatever it takes" attitude. Much respect!

Don't stop there!!

Now, walk across the hall, jump up on Ozzie's desk and demand he find some Freakin linemen that can pass block.

Then, walk down the hall, crack Dean in the back of the head and let him know he better find some pass rush.

Finally, cross the hall and chew Jerry a new one about the coverage teams.

It wouldn't hurt to punch a few holes in that hallway wall along the way for emphasis. LOL

Edited October 11, 2016 by Rav'n Maniac

[Rav'n Maniac]

I dont know much about this mortingwig character but he better get to work fast. Stanley and alex lewis need to stop being soft and come back already our Oline was fine until they started to be rookies and sit instead of playing through the pain. he needs to get perriman to work cause im starting to think hes a bust. Have yet to see him flash, im fed up.

You're fed up? Wow, just fire up another, you'll feel better.

[thegooddoc456]

The best OC the Ravens have had in the last decade - Kubiak - was a front office hire forced on Harbs. One wonders if Harbs likes to be surrounded by "yes men", both coaches and players. No coincidence that the guys that brought fire and passion to the SB season were promptly let go (Boldin, Pollard) or retired (Lewis, Reed). Since then, one has to think Harbs has influenced the draft, taking "character guys" like Arthur Brown and Matt Elam over question marks like Vontaze Burfict and Tyronne Matthieu (both of whom otherwise fit the Ravens mold).

I think Harbs is a great guy, and an outstanding leader and coach. As such, he should be more willing and able to accept stronger personalities and rely on what he brings to the table to focus and lead guys with more upside.

The hammer hiteth the nail...I agree.

[Fastynart]

Oh yeah, it was "his call". Even he saw the writing on the wall. If he didn't do something, and fast, the next call was going to be to him. While Harbaugh is here, he won't hire a guy who can think for himself. He got rid of all the leaders who didn't agree with him, yet all we heard from the media was how this was Harbaugh's Team. Well, now you have it, Harbaugh's Team. Still think that is such a great thing?