What is the status of the Ravens' linebackers for the 2026 season?

Key linebackers Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins, and Chandler Martin suffered ACL tears and are unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, leaving a challenge for coach Tyler Santucci.

Who will partner with Roquan Smith at linebacker for the Ravens?

With multiple linebacker injuries, the Ravens may rely on internal options like Jay Higgins and Trenton Simpson, with the 2026 draft class considered strong at the position.

Home / Sports / Ravens Add Coaches, Focus on LB Depth Amid Injuries

Ravens Add Coaches, Focus on LB Depth Amid Injuries

Q: Who are the new coaches hired by the Baltimore Ravens?

The Ravens hired Dwayne Ledford as offensive line coach, Mike Mickens as secondary coach, and Charlie Gelman as game management coordinator.

3 Feb

Summary

Ravens hired Dwayne Ledford, Mike Mickens, and Charlie Gelman.
Linebackers coach Tyler Santucci returns to develop new talent.
Key linebackers Buchanan and Higgins face long recovery from ACL tears.

Ravens Add Coaches, Focus on LB Depth Amid Injuries

The Baltimore Ravens have made significant coaching staff adjustments, announcing the hires of Dwayne Ledford as offensive line coach, Mike Mickens as secondary coach, and Charlie Gelman as game management coordinator. Linebackers coach Tyler Santucci will return for the upcoming season.

Santucci was instrumental last year in developing rookie linebackers Teddye Buchanan, Jay Higgins, and Chandler Martin. Buchanan emerged as a rare Day 3 starter, earning All-Rookie team honors. Undrafted free agents Higgins and Martin also impressed, with Higgins making the 53-man roster before a knee injury ended his season. Martin filled in for Higgins until his own ACL tear. Buchanan also tore his ACL, and neither he nor Martin are expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season.

This situation places Santucci back in the challenging position of finding a partner for Roquan Smith. Internal candidates include Higgins and Trenton Simpson, who previously held the starting role. Given Smith's contract, the Ravens are unlikely to pursue a veteran free agent, but the 2026 draft class is considered strong at linebacker.

Santucci, at 37, possesses a notable coaching resume, including coordinator roles at Texas A&M, Duke, and Georgia Tech, with a focus on linebackers throughout his 15-year college coaching career.

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