So, the Ravens are in the middle of a playoff run, everything’s clicking, and then bam—a curveball. I mean, at this point, it’s not even a surprise. But right before a crucial game against the Bills? Well, the guy who’s been turning defenses into rubble has got a lot on his plate this week… and not all of it has to do with Baltimore. Let’s just say the Ravens aren’t the only ones he’s game-planning for right now.

Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is at the center of the storm. He is juggling interviews for coaching vacancies during one of the most critical weeks of the season. This has drawn criticism, with Ross Tucker voicing his concerns in a recent X post. “Feels like the process is still flawed if the OC has to prepare for multiple potentially life-changing interviews the week of the biggest game of the season.” The situation raises serious questions about his commitment to the upcoming showdown.

Feels like the process is still flawed if the OC has to prepare for multiple potentially life-changing interviews the week of the biggest game of the season. 🤷‍♂️

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 16, 2025

As the Ravens gear up for war, their play-calling general has one foot on their side and another somewhere else. John Harbaugh’s weapon is set to interview with the Jaguars and the Bears this week. Both the Jaguars and Bears present intriguing opportunities for Todd, given the potential of their young quarterbacks. The Jaguars, despite a disappointing 4-13 season, have a promising foundation with Trevor Lawrence. He previously led them to an AFC South title and a playoff win before injuries derailed their progress.

Similarly, the Bears, coming off a 5-12 season, showcase immense promise with Caleb Williams, their No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams impressed with over 4,000 total yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions during his rookie campaign. Both teams possess offensive talent that has yet to be fully realized, making Monken an ideal candidate to unlock their potential. But how can a team march forward when their OC is splitting time between drawing up plays for Lamar and prepping a sales pitch for NFL owners? This raises several questions regarding the internal NFL processes, who is even letting this happen before a divisional game.

The team has been unstoppable under Todd Monken’s strategic play. So why is he considering interviews with other teams? If we put ourselves in Todd’s shoes, with the opportunity to become a head coach and move up the ranks, who could possibly pass up that chance, right? But with Monken juggling interviews during the team’s most critical week, can this well-oiled machine continue its dominance without his undivided attention?

Why John Harbaugh’s OC is considered to be a weapon?

Todd Monken is the mastermind who turned the Ravens into an offensive juggernaut, but his magic didn’t start in Baltimore. His coaching journey has been a rollercoaster of success, from guiding Southern Mississippi to a remarkable 9-5 season in his final year as head coach to crafting offensive fireworks in the NFL and college football.

In Tampa Bay, he helped the Buccaneers’ offense shine, and his stint with Cleveland added even more fuel to his resume. But the pièce de résistance? Leading the University of Georgia to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. When Baltimore hired him in 2023, it wasn’t just a good move—it was a game-changer. His arrival sparked a 13-4 season, a top-six total offense, and Lamar Jackson’s MVP triumph. Monken didn’t just bring a playbook. He brought a revolution.

This year, Monken took it up another notch, engineering an offense that’s nothing short of spectacular. The Ravens lead the league in total offense and rushing, while Jackson’s record-breaking season. A jaw-dropping 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and 915 rushing yards earned another MVP win. Oh, and let’s not forget how Monken turned Derrick Henry into a playoff wrecking ball. And Rashod Bateman into a red-zone monster. The Wild Card round was a masterpiece: the Ravens bulldozed Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense with 299 rushing yards.

But as the Ravens prepare to face the Bills, the air in Baltimore feels… different. You know how it goes—players can tell when their leader’s mind is elsewhere. And against a team like the Bills? Even the smallest slip-up could be the difference between victory and defeat.

If Monken really is an anchor behind the Ravens’ success, they might want to do everything they can to hold on to him. Because we all know—the NFL’s a game of ‘use it or lose it’. And brilliance doesn’t stay available in the market for long.