Kliff Kingsbury names Todd Monken as a catalyst for his NFL comeback

4 days ago 2

It seemed like it was yesterday. Then again, it was yesterday, or, depending on when you are reading this, it was maybe two days ago, but life was the same as it had been for nearly two decades. John Harbaugh was still the Baltimore Ravens' head coach.

Then, it happened. Thanks to a move that was equal parts expected and surprising, he was given his walking papers. For the first time since his hire in January 2008, Baltimore had a head coaching vacancy.

Whoever Baltimore elects to hire will be only the fourth head coach in Ravens history. Ted Marchibroda and Brian Billick are the other two. There are at least two handfuls of names that come to mind as candidates for the organization.

One of those names belongs to Kliff Kingsbury. Wouldn't you know it? After being fired from the Arizona Cardinals and spending a one-year stint with the USC Trojans, Kingsbury contacted Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

After accepting the job as Washington Commanders OC, Kingsbury made sure to mention Monken as one of the people who helped reinvigorate his passion for the professional game.

This does beg a question. Clearly, these conversations are just getting started, which means we're clutching at straws here, but let's say Kliff Kingsbury does indeed spark their interest. Again, it can be argued that he's one of the top ten candidates to fill the Ravens' head-coaching vacancy.

Reports state Ravens leadership wanted Todd Monken out. They state he was one of the pressure points that led to Harbaugh's dismissal. What if Kingsbury wanted him around? Would Monken be asked to stay, or would that be reason to remove Kingsbury's name from the list of possible candidates? That's where this can get complicated.

The Ravens aren't just moving on from John Harbaugh. They are resetting part of the structure that helped define this organization for nearly two decades.

Every candidate will be evaluated for their scheme and résumé. They'll also be judged based on their vision. This coming hire will tell us far more than who calls plays on Sundays. It will tell us how the Ravens envision success in the post-Harbaugh era.

Now, answer this. Do you and the Ravens see Kliff Kingsbury when you think of things from that paradigm? Do you and the Ravens believe Kingsbury can win a Super Bowl? Let's not forget. That's why the new guys will be hired. That's the reason Harbaugh is no longer this team's head coach.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Kliff Kingsbury names Todd Monken as a catalyst for his NFL comeback

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