Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, faces a challenging week as he juggles head coaching interviews with preparations for the team's AFC divisional playoff game. Monken, now in his second season with the Ravens, has led the team to an NFL-leading average of 424.9 yards per game. Under his guidance, the Ravens became the first team in NFL history to achieve over 4,000 yards passing and 3,000 yards rushing in a single season.
Despite these accomplishments, Monken's week is filled with additional responsibilities. He interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday and plans to speak with the Chicago Bears on Friday. These interviews come just days before the critical playoff matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Monken, at 58 years old, has experienced this process before, having interviewed for head coaching positions with the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers last year.
Monken's contribution to the Ravens is evident in quarterback Lamar Jackson's record-breaking season. Jackson achieved career highs with 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes while maintaining a low number of interceptions at four. Monken's expertise has been instrumental in shaping Jackson's performance and contributing to the team's success.
In discussing the timing of his head coaching interviews, Monken acknowledged the challenges but maintained a pragmatic outlook.
"It is what it is. It's like trying to figure out things…. They've been trying to figure it out. There's no easy way. There's no easy solution, so it is what it is." – Todd Monken
Monken emphasized that his primary focus remains on preparing for the Bills, undeterred by the ongoing interview process.
"So, all of my focus last week was on the Steelers, and all of my focus this week is on the Bills," – Todd Monken
The NFL rules currently allow coaches from playoff teams to interview for head coach positions shortly after the wild-card games, with interviews required before the end of the divisional round. Monken expressed understanding regarding the complexities of this system.
"I don't think there's any easy way, or they'd already be doing it," – Todd Monken
Despite the potential distractions, Monken views the interest from other organizations as a testament to the Ravens' success.
"It's a compliment to this organization — our players and our coaches — that other organizations have an interest in myself or any of our coaches," – Todd Monken
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