As the search for their next offensive coordinator enters its second week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has finally named four candidates to replace Jim Caldwell.
In addition to already conducting interviews with wide receivers coach Jim Hostler, former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, and former Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan — three names who had previously been reported — the Ravens plan to interview Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson for the opening. The 52-year-old Wilson has spent the last seven seasons with Pittsburgh and carries 16 years of NFL coaching experience.
Wilson gained league-wide attention two years ago when he sustained burns on more than 45 percent of his body and smoke inhalation from a fire at his Pittsburgh townhouse.
Of the four known candidates to receive interviews, Wilson is the only one without experience as an NFL coordinator, but the Pittsburgh assistant is respected around the league after previously spending time with Arizona, Tampa Bay, Washington, and New England.
According to the Ravens’ official website, Harbaugh has interviewed other candidates for the offensive coordinator job, including coaches from the collegiate ranks. The head coach has also spoken to candidates about the vacant quarterbacks coach position that was handled by Caldwell before he departed to become the new head coach of the Detroit Lions last week.
Though it was rumored that Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi could be a candidate for the Ravens’ coordinator position, he will instead become Caldwell’s new offensive coordinator in Detroit.
There is still no firm timetable for a final decision, but Harbaugh does not want the process to take much longer.
