Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken publicly accepted responsibility for quarterback Lamar Jackson’s regression and the team’s offensive struggles during the 2025 NFL season, admitting in a January 8 radio interview that he failed to coach Jackson effectively and did not foster an optimal relationship. His candid remarks came as the Ravens face a coaching overhaul after firing head coach John Harbaugh, with Monken expected to depart, highlighting a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Monken made these comments on the “Ryan Ripken Show” on January 8, 2026, reflecting on his three-year tenure with the Ravens. He expressed deep regret over not doing enough to win games this past season, stating that the offense never gained the momentum needed to contend for a playoff spot. The Ravens, who led the NFL in offense in 2024, fell to 16th in 2025, a decline Monken attributed directly to his coaching shortcomings. This drop occurred despite returning almost all starters from the previous year’s top-ranked unit, underscoring the unexpected nature of the setback.
Lamar Jackson’s injury-plagued season was a significant factor in the offensive downturn, as he missed four games and was limited in others due to multiple ailments, including hamstring, back, knee, ankle, and toe issues. Monken lamented that Jackson’s health prevented the team from building on its success from 2023 and 2024, where Jackson won his second MVP award and posted career-best statistics. The coordinator emphasized that with a healthy Jackson, the Ravens could have sustained their offensive dominance, but injuries derailed their progress.
Addressing widespread speculation, Monken clarified that his relationship with Jackson was not strained, though he acknowledged it could have been better. He described their partnership as positive and productive, with no major conflicts, and pointed to Jackson’s accolades as evidence of their effective collaboration. Monken also defended former coach John Harbaugh, who was fired on January 6, denying any locker room discord and praising Harbaugh’s leadership and motivational skills. He insisted that player-coach relationships remained strong throughout his tenure.
One of Monken’s biggest regrets was his play-calling in the 2024 AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he called only 10 designed runs against a defense ranked 18th against the run. He admitted this decision would haunt him forever, as such championship opportunities are rare in the NFL. This reflection added depth to his accountability, showing how specific moments contributed to the broader narrative of underperformance.
With Harbaugh gone and Monken likely to leave, the Ravens have begun interviewing candidates for the head coaching position, marking the end of an era. The team’s search for a new offensive coordinator will be crucial, as they aim to revitalize an offense that struggled in 2025. Monken’s departure closes a chapter that included both historic highs and disappointing lows, with his introspection offering lessons for future coaching staff.
The implications of Monken’s comments extend beyond Baltimore, illustrating the high stakes and intense scrutiny of NFL coaching. His willingness to take blame publicly sets a tone of accountability that could influence the Ravens’ culture moving forward. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the team rebuilds around Lamar Jackson, whose future may depend on the new coaching hires.
In summary, Monken’s admission captures a moment of reckoning for the Ravens, emphasizing the fine line between success and failure in professional football. His words provide closure on a challenging season while opening the door to renewal, as Baltimore seeks to reclaim its status as an offensive powerhouse in the league.
