BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to part ways with John Harbaugh on Tuesday sent shockwaves through the league, but offensive coordinator Todd Monken is pushing back against the narrative that locker room dysfunction fueled the fire.
The Myth of the Rift
Following Harbaugh’s dismissal which ended a nearly two-decade tenure—whispers emerged regarding a fractured relationship between the head coach and star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Reports also suggested friction between Jackson and Monken. Speaking on the Ryan Ripken Show, Monken didn’t just deny the rumors; he dismantled them.
“Lamar and I, to me, had a good relationship. Could it have been better? Of course. I never had an issue. I don’t know where that comes from. I never saw Lamar and coach Harbaugh not have a great relationship. Never, not one time.” — Todd Monken
The Ravens finished the season at 8-9, missing the playoffs entirely after a crushing Sunday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. For a team that entered 2025 with Super Bowl aspirations, the fall was swift and brutal.
By The Numbers: A Season of Stagnation
The stats tell a story of a high-octane engine that simply ran out of fuel. Injuries plagued Jackson throughout the year, forcing the two-time MVP to miss four games. The dual-threat dynamism that usually defines Baltimore’s offense vanished as Jackson dealt with hamstring and back issues.
| Stat Category | 2025 Totals | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,549 | Lowest since 2022 |
| Passing TDs | 21 | 13 games played |
| Rushing Yards | 349 | Career Low |
| Team Record | 8-9 | Missed Playoffs |
Despite the struggles, Baltimore still managed the 11th-ranked scoring offense in the NFL. However, Monken refused to hide behind the league rankings. He took full accountability for the lack of hardware.
“You know what? I didn’t coach Lamar well enough,” Monken admitted. “I didn’t do the things we needed this year to win enough games to give ourselves a chance.”
What’s Next for Baltimore?
The Ravens now face their most volatile offseason in twenty years. With Harbaugh out, the priority shifts to finding a leader who can maximize the remaining years of Jackson’s prime. Monken, despite the disappointing finish, remains defiant about his future, whether in Baltimore or elsewhere.
The search for a new head coach begins immediately. Baltimore needs a culture reset, but as Monken’s comments suggest, the foundation between the quarterback and the coaching staff may not be as broken as the rumor mill claims. The focus shifts to health and play-calling consistency for 2026.
