Ravens Tap Declan Doyle To Lead Offense In Bold Move

The Baltimore Ravens have officially ushered in a new era on offense, naming 29-year-old Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator. The decision, made public on January 30, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for a franchise eager to maximize the talents of two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and newly acquired running back Derrick Henry. With a resume that’s both impressive and unconventional for someone his age, Doyle steps into the spotlight as the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL, entrusted with revitalizing a Ravens attack that struggled with inconsistency throughout the 2025 season.

Doyle’s rapid ascent through the coaching ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. After spending three seasons as a student assistant at Iowa from 2016 to 2018, he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2019 under head coach Sean Payton. During his four-year stint as an offensive assistant, the Saints posted a robust 41-25 record and clinched back-to-back NFC South Division titles in Doyle’s first two seasons. The offense flourished, with eight players earning a combined 12 Pro Bowl selections across those years—a testament to the creativity and organizational skills Doyle brought to the table.

Following his time in New Orleans, Doyle reunited with Payton in Denver, taking on the role of tight ends coach for the Broncos during the 2023 and 2024 campaigns. His reputation for intelligence and innovation only grew, drawing praise from both Payton and other colleagues. Broncos head coach Sean Payton described Doyle as “one of the brightest young minds I’ve worked with,” while Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson highlighted his “unmatched work ethic and ability to connect with players.”

It was Johnson who brought Doyle to Chicago after the 2024 season, naming him offensive coordinator for the Bears. Although Johnson retained play-calling duties for the No. 2 seed Bears, Doyle’s fingerprints were all over the offense. Under his guidance, Chicago made a dramatic leap from dead last in total yards in 2024 to sixth in the league in 2025. The turnaround culminated in a wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers—the Bears’ first playoff win since 2010—before a hard-fought overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Doyle’s impact was immediate and profound, transforming the Bears into one of the league’s most dynamic units.”

Despite his success in Chicago, Doyle’s next challenge came calling sooner than anyone expected. Before meeting with the Ravens, he withdrew from consideration for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator job, signaling his intent to pursue the Baltimore opportunity. On January 30, Doyle met with head coach Jesse Minter and other Ravens officials at the Under Armour Performance Center, ultimately accepting the position. As reported by Jamison Hensley, “Lamar Jackson has his new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, who was Bears’ OC last season.”

The Ravens’ decision to hire Doyle was not made lightly. Following the firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh on January 6 and the appointment of Jesse Minter as head coach on January 22, the search for an offensive coordinator took center stage. Baltimore considered several high-profile candidates, including Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, Denver Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb, Detroit Lions wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery, and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Ultimately, Doyle’s blend of youth, innovation, and proven track record won out.

Doyle’s hiring comes at a critical juncture for the Ravens. The team’s offense, once among the league’s most feared, regressed in 2025 as injuries mounted and consistency waned. Jackson, who missed four games due to injury, struggled to recapture the form that earned him MVP honors. At his introductory news conference, Minter emphasized the importance of “connecting” with Jackson and “helping him become the best version of himself.” That mission now falls squarely on Doyle’s shoulders.

For Jackson, Doyle represents his fourth offensive coordinator in nine seasons—a level of turnover that underscores the urgency for stability and growth. The new OC inherits an enviable arsenal: not only does he have Jackson behind center, but he’s also got Derrick Henry, the NFL’s reigning rushing champion, and a dynamic receiving corps featuring two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, rookie standout Devontez Walker, and star tight end Mark Andrews. The pieces are there for a high-octane attack—if Doyle can unlock their potential.

Unlike his tenure in Chicago, Doyle will have full play-calling duties in Baltimore, giving him the opportunity to implement his vision from the ground up. According to Sports Illustrated, “Doyle will call plays, a power he did not have under Chicago coach Ben Johnson.” It’s a significant responsibility, but one that Doyle appears ready to embrace. His previous bosses have repeatedly praised his intelligence, preparation, and ability to adapt. As Ben Johnson put it, “Declan has an innate feel for the game and a knack for getting the most out of his players.”

Of course, there are questions. Doyle’s relative lack of play-calling experience—just one year as an offensive coordinator, and that in a non-play-calling capacity—will be scrutinized as the season unfolds. But the Ravens’ brass is betting that his fresh perspective and collaborative approach will pay dividends. The move is undeniably bold, yet it fits with Baltimore’s recent pivot toward youth and innovation under Minter’s leadership.

As the Ravens prepare for the 2026 NFL season, all eyes will be on Doyle and his ability to jumpstart an offense that, on paper, boasts as much talent as any in the league. Will he be the architect who finally guides Jackson and company to the Super Bowl? The answer will play out over the coming months, but for now, the energy in Baltimore is unmistakable.

With Declan Doyle at the helm, the Ravens are banking on a new vision and a new voice to bring out the best in their stars. The challenge is immense, but so is the opportunity. Baltimore fans, buckle up—change is here, and the Ravens’ offensive future just got a lot more intriguing.