The Baltimore Ravens want to improve their offense and are looking to hire Dwayne Ledford as their line coach. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, while not official, Ledford tops the team’s wish list.
After an eight-year NFL playing career with six teams, Ledford bounced around multiple colleges, teaching offensive linemen. In 2021, the Atlanta Falcons hired him as a line coach and as their run game coordinator. The coach earned a reputation for limiting the types of run plays. Instead of a wide array, he drills both his backs and his linemen on a few specific ones.
“The more I can do that one thing over and over, and I feel like I’ve got it down pat, and it doesn’t matter what the defense does, then there is that belief that ‘It doesn’t matter what they show, we can do this. There’s a balance in doing too much and being just OK at a lot of things versus being great at something. That’s the balance that you always have to strive for and try to find.”
In Atlanta, Ledford emphasized the zone run. For the first couple of seasons, the inside zone run became the staple. However, with the emergence of running back Bijan Robinson, the Falcons chose an outside running approach. Ledford’s line adjusted. Over the last two seasons, Robinson ran for 2,934 yards and 21 touchdowns.
If I’m a NFL team looking for an OL Coach, you better go throw a ton of money at Dwayne Ledford!!! He’s done an outstanding job in Atlanta
— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) January 6, 2026
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Ravens Looking to Add Experienced OL Coach
In 2025, Baltimore boasted a top-five rushing attack, but the passing game suffered. According to Sharp Analysis, despite enjoying 3.1 seconds to throw, which was the most, opponents pressured the Ravens 42.2% of the time without blitzing. In other words, a four-man rush was effective in winning reps and breaking into the backfield.
As a result, quarterback Lamar Jackson faced pressure on 23.6% of the time, the most since his rookie year. Another byproduct of struggling pass blocking was a decline in accuracy. 72.3% of Jackson’s passes were accurate, the lowest of his eight-year career. When faced with constant pressure, finding a rhythm is truly difficult.
GettyBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson under pressure during a December 14, 2025 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Potential Free Agency Could Prove to Be A Challenge
To his credit, Daniel Faalele proved to be a durable player, taking 100% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps over the last two years. However, while he was consistently on the field, he struggled against the pass, allowing 30 pressures, 23 hurries, and 3 sacks.
Moreover, despite his six-foot-eight-inch, 380-pound frame, Faalele occasionally could not hold his ground. Now, with his impending free agency, the Ravens have an opportunity to upgrade at his position in the draft or via free agency.
GettyBaltimore Ravens right guard Daniel Faalele during an August 2022 preseason game against the Tennessee Titans
Meanwhile, a seemingly larger headache is the possibility of losing All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. The dynamic between Linderbaum and Jackson works well for Baltimore. The pivot calls the protection changes and shifts, allowing his quarterback to move freely in the pocket.
On top of that, Linderbaum’s advanced use of leverage, along with instinct and quickness, keeps the offense moving. Teams like the New York Giants could be in play, as former head coach John Harbaugh is familiar with Linderbaum’s abilities.
GettyBaltimore Ravnes center Tyler Linderbaum during a preseason game against the August 2022 preseason game.
Ledford possesses a wealth of recent success that could kickstart the Ravens’ offensive line. With the talent they currently employ in the backfield, the pairing would serve as a dramatic change under new head coach Jesse Minter.
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