Ravens coordinators Mike Macdonald, Todd Monken interview with Panthers for head coach opening
After the Ravens finished the regular season with the best record in the NFL behind presumptive league Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson and a historically dominant defense that became the first to lead the league in sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game, teams with head coach openings continue to target Baltimore’s staff.
Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald both interviewed with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday for the team’s head coach opening. The Atlanta Falcons also reportedly requested permission to interview Macdonald for their vacant head coach job.
The Panthers fired Frank Reich in November after the team started 1-10, while the Falcons let go of Arthur Smith earlier this week after finishing 7-10.
While no in-person interviews with a coach currently working for another team can take place until after the divisional round of the playoffs Jan. 20-21, both were able to meet with the Panthers virtually. Macdonald, 36, also confirmed that he has interviewed with other teams, with the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans also having requested permission to speak with perhaps the league’s hottest candidate.
The Ravens (13-4) received a bye through the wild-card round, which begins Saturday. The team has conducted practices as if it were a normal game week, including a planned practice Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.
“Our focus right now with our guys is to try improve and really stay sharp and ramp up and make sure we’re on our ‘A’ game come next weekend,” Macdonald said Thursday. “So, when we’re here, that’s what we’re focused on and then fortunately, I can try to compartmentalize it and work on the Zooms and things that happen at night, and I’m doing those at my house.”
The Los Angeles Chargers had also previously requested permission to interview Monken, 57, after parting ways with Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last month.
Others from the Ravens drawing outside interest include associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver (Commanders), vice president of football administration Nick Matteo for the Panthers’ open general manager job and director of player personnel Joe Hortiz, who has also been rumored to be a candidate for general manager openings.
“It says a lot about the organization,” Monken said when asked about other teams’ interest in Ravens coaches and front office staff. “It says a lot about our players. It says a lot about our coaching staff. You don’t do it alone. You have to have a great staff, great organization and a great team [with] players that believe in the plan and are able to execute it at a high level.”
