. This restriction, a result of the NFL’s “dead period” for interviews during the postseason, ensures that teams with ongoing playoff contenders cannot hire away coaching staff members until their season concludes. While Monken cannot yet make a formal move, the fact that multiple teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, have expressed interest in him highlights his growing reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL.
Monken’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens has been transformative. When he joined the team in 2023, the Ravens were hoping to unlock the full potential of their quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had won the MVP award in 2019 but had yet to produce a consistently high-powered offense. Monken came from a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at the University of Georgia, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to two consecutive national championships. His experience with both pro and college-level offenses made him a perfect fit for Jackson’s skill set, and he quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds.
Under Monken’s guidance, Jackson’s game reached new heights. This season, Jackson set several career highs in passing yards, touchdown passes, and overall efficiency, proving that Monken’s offense was the perfect fit for his dynamic abilities. The Ravens’ offense has been revamped to be more versatile and explosive, with an emphasis on a balanced attack that allows Jackson to thrive both through the air and on the ground. The result has been a Ravens offense that ranked among the top five in both scoring and total yardage, a marked improvement over previous years.
Monken’s system, which emphasizes modern passing concepts, has allowed Jackson to make quicker, more decisive throws while also capitalizing on his unique mobility. Monken’s influence has not only been evident in Jackson’s growth but also in the performances of other key Ravens players, including wide receivers and tight ends. The development of tight ends like Mark Andrews and the integration of rookie receivers into the offense have showcased Monken’s ability to get the most out of the players at his disposal.
However, it’s Monken’s ability to adapt his system to a player’s strengths that has made him such an attractive head-coaching candidate. His time at Georgia, where he coached several first-round talents, showed his aptitude for handling high-level players and adjusting his game plans to fit the team’s needs. His work with tight end Brock Bowers was particularly impressive, as Bowers quickly became one of the nation’s top targets under Monken’s tutelage. This ability to nurture and develop young talent could prove to be a critical factor in the Raiders’ search for their next head coach.
Las Vegas, which fired Antonio Pierce after just one season, is now looking for a new leader. The Raiders’ offense has struggled in recent years, and while their quarterback position remains uncertain, the potential for a fresh start with a creative offensive mind like Monken is enticing. Monken would have the opportunity to shape the Raiders’ offense, with a chance to build around a new quarterback. While the team does not yet have a franchise quarterback to build around, Monken’s track record of success with quarterbacks like Jackson gives the Raiders hope that he can develop a young signal-caller into a star.
Additionally, Monken’s connection with Bowers—who was one of the few bright spots in a dismal Raiders season—could be a key selling point. After a standout career at Georgia, Bowers entered the NFL with high expectations, and Monken’s knowledge of his game could provide the Raiders with an immediate impact player. Having a player of Bowers’ caliber could be just the boost the Raiders need as they look to rebuild their offense.
The Raiders’ decision to request an interview with Monken is not surprising. With several top teams already making inquiries, it’s clear that Monken’s value in the NFL coaching market is rising. His track record with Jackson and the Ravens, as well as his success at Georgia, makes him a highly sought-after commodity. In a coaching cycle where several teams are seeking offensive-minded leaders to rejuvenate their programs, Monken’s name has emerged as one of the top candidates for head coaching jobs.
However, Monken’s focus remains on the Ravens as they continue their playoff run. The team is currently competing in the postseason, and Monken’s role as offensive coordinator is crucial to the team’s success. His involvement in the Ravens’ preparations and game planning for upcoming playoff games is his immediate priority. While the NFL interview process will keep him engaged with teams like the Raiders, his professional commitments to Baltimore ensure that his attention is on the task at hand for now.
This balance between potential career advancement and team loyalty is common among coaching candidates in the postseason. With teams interested in hiring coaches while their current teams are still in contention for a Super Bowl, these situations can create difficult choices. Monken, who has helped lead the Ravens to impressive offensive showings during his two seasons with the team, will undoubtedly have to weigh the opportunity for a new challenge with the unfinished business in Baltimore.
For the Ravens, losing Monken would be a blow, especially given the progress the team has made under his leadership. His offensive ingenuity has turned the Ravens into one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, and his departure would leave a gap in a system that is still very much a work in progress. Should Monken leave for a head-coaching opportunity, the Ravens will need to find a new offensive coordinator who can continue the momentum Monken has built and help guide the team further into the postseason.
As for Monken, the chance to become a head coach in the NFL is a major career milestone. He’s long been regarded as one of the top offensive coordinators in the league, and his ability to turn struggling offenses into high-powered units has earned him the respect of both players and coaches. While Monken may face a difficult decision as he navigates the interview process, the opportunity to lead an NFL team would be a major step forward in his career.
For now, the focus remains on the Ravens’ playoff run, and Monken’s ability to continue to guide the offense could determine how far the team goes in the postseason. Whether or not he stays in Baltimore or leaves for a head coaching opportunity, Monken’s impact on the Ravens’ offense will be felt for years to come.
