Ravens to Pluck Coveted Vikings Coaching Candidate
The Minnesota Vikings did not renew offensive line coach Chris Kuper’s contract for 2026, which led some fans to daydream about what Dwayne Ledford might do as a replacement in the Twin Cities. While that theory would’ve been pretty fruitful, the Baltimore Ravens are reportedly hiring Ledford.
When Baltimore closes it, Minnesota will lose a top Kuper replacement before the interview process even heats up.
Jesse Minter took over as head coach of the Ravens last week, and his hiring process could disqualify Ledford from Minnesota.
Ledford Deal Shrinks Minnesota’s OL Shortlist
The Vikings may not land Ledford, as the spiffy idea suggested.
Ravens to Hire Ledford
Ledford to Baltimore sounds like it’s approaching a done deal.
SB Nation‘s Frank Platko wrote Monday, “As the Baltimore Ravens seek to build out their coaching staff around new head coach Jesse Minter, one important vacancy will be a new offensive line coach. According to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, that role may be filled by veteran coach Dwayne Ledford, who is a strong candidate to join the Ravens.”
“Ledford, 49, has been with the Atlanta Falcons since 2021, encompassing his entire NFL coaching experience. He was the Falcons’ offensive line coach from 2021-2023, before also adding the additional title of offensive run game coordinator for the past two seasons. Prior to him coming to Atlanta, Ledford coached at the collegiate for many years at several different schools.”
If Ledford’s name sounds remotely familiar, it might be because he coached former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury at North Carolina State about eight years ago.
And on Tuesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Baltimore Ravens are expected to hire former Falcons run game coordinator/OL coach Dwayne Ledford for the same job and title, per source. Ledford was with the Falcons since 2021, and helped lead a run game that finished in the top 10 in rushing the past three seasons.”
The hire isn’t far from fruition, wiping a name off the Vikings’ board.
Who’s Ledford Anyway?
Atlanta gave Ledford his first NFL coaching opportunity in 2021 after a short but steady rise at Louisville. He led the Falcons to these OL rankings:
Falcons OL Ranking,
per PFF,
Since Ledford Took Over:
2021: 27th
2022: 5th
2023: 4th
2024: 11th
2025: 14th
It’s also worth noting that Atlanta’s offensive line dealt with a heavy run of injuries in 2025 — a situation that closely mirrors what the Vikings navigated up front.
The man also had a career as a player (center):
- San Francisco 49ers (1999–2000)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2000)
- Carolina Panthers (2001)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2002)
- San Francisco 49ers (2003–2004)
- New Orleans Saints (2005)
- Cleveland Browns (2005)
- New Orleans Saints (2006)
Kevin Stefanski took over the Falcons this month as head coach, and one of his first orders of business was to hire Bill Callahan as the offensive line coach, leaving Ledford a coaching free agent. Baltimore pounced.
The OL in BAL
Ledford is on deck to inherit this offensive line with the Ravens:
LT — Ronnie Staley
LG — Andrew Vorhees
C — TBD
RG — TBD
RT — Roger Rosengarten
The Ravens have three notable OL free agents pending: center Tyler Linderbaum (three-time Pro Bowler), guard Daniel Faalele, and center Corey Bullock. Linderbaum might be the best free agent in all of football this March. Ledford’s life will be much easier if general manager Eric DeCosta finds a way to re-sign him.
It’s also worth noting that many Vikings fans want Minnesota to make a free-agent run at Linderbaum, who is expected to earn a contract worth $17 million to $20 million per season.
Baltimore Beatdown‘s Frank Platko noted on Ledford Monday, “If Ledford to were to join the Ravens’ as their offensive line coach, it would represent a big hire for Minter. The Ravens’ offensive line took a step back last season and was particularly shaky in pass protection. The team’s owner Steve Bisciotti openly stated that Ravens’ leadership was disappointed in the lack of player development in this position group in 2025, which is often a coaching issue.”
“Ledford could also hold the dual-role of run came coordinator for the Ravens as well, just as he did in Atlanta. Should he in fact be hired, Ledford will work under whoever the Ravens’ new offensive coordinator is. They began requesting to interview candidates for offensive coordinator this week.”
Other Vikings OL Coach Options
With Kuper out and Ledford to Baltimore, the Vikings still have options. Head coach Kevin O’Connell could promote Keith Carter, who served as Kuper’s assistant head coach in 2024.
The Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator from the last four seasons, Frank Smith, is also said to be on the Vikings’ replacement radar. And Steelers offensive line coach Pat Carter could be looking for a new job after Mike Tomlin left that organization last week.
Minnesota’s offensive line ranked as the league’s fourth-worst unit in 2025, according to Pro Football Network, an unbelievable mark as the club spent the whole 2025 offseason fortifying the OL roster with enhanced talent.
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