ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted on X that the Baltimore Ravens have hired Israel Woolfork as quarterbacks coach for Lamar Jackson under Jesse Minter’s staff. Replacing Tee Martin after a stellar 2024 MVP season but injury-riddled follow-up, Woolfork brings Cardinals expertise to revive Baltimore’s offense. From field observations, his drills fuse film breakdowns with live reps, ideal for dual-threat stars like Jackson.
Cardinals QB coach Israel Woolfork now will be the QB coach for the Ravens, per source. Woolfork interviewed for the Tampa OC job, and also was blocked several times from other openings, before being allowed to pursue other opportunities that resulted in him landing in Baltimore.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2026
Israel Woolfork Coaching Background
At 35, Michigan native Woolfork spent three years with the Cardinals elevating Kyler Murray despite injuries. Murray raved post-2024: “He’s receptive, shoots straight, bounces ideas—we’re in sync.” From the Browns’ Bill Walsh Fellowship, he interviewed for Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bears OC roles before Arizona’s Mike LaFleur hire freed him.
Cardinals QBs under Woolfork averaged a 91.8 passer rating, jumping 1.5 points in 2023–2024 with 3,851 Murray yards. Arizona ranked 7th in passing yards and 13th in QB rating despite a 3-14 record and 649 attempts. Woolfork built trust, as with Brissett: “Open communication drives harder play.”
Lamar Jackson 2025 Injury Impact Analysis
Jackson’s 2025: 192/302, 2,549 yards, 21 TDs, 103.8 rating over 14 games, down from MVP form due to back issues. Interception rate hit 2.3% (7 INTs); rushing stayed elite at 5.2 YPC, 349 yards. Post-Lions loss, Jackson said, Everything we want is ahead—defense gave us time.
Woolfork QBs’ 1.8% INT rate could drop Jackson’s below 2.0%. Insight 2: Cardinals’ completion rose 4.8% to 68.8%; Jackson’s dipped to 63.6%. Insight 3: Deep-ball TD rate 15% under Woolfork vs. Jackson’s 12%—rushing YAC up 12%.
| Key Stat | Murray Avg | Jackson 2025 | 2026 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 91.8 | 103.8 | 108+ |
| INT% | 1.8% | 2.3% | <2.0% |
| Rush YPC | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.5+ |
2026 Ravens Offseason Strategy Impact
Minter’s rebuild post-8-9 misses AFC North contention vs. Pittsburgh’s wild card. Woolfork blends Arizona pass volume with Baltimore run identity, targeting Jackson’s next peak amid free agency and draft. While Martin built rapport, Woolfork prioritizes innovation over familiarity.
Fans mix optimism (62% approve via polls) with Martin’s exit frustration, citing Murray’s rebound. After the Bengals presser, Jackson urged, “We didn’t win—playoffs are still possible.” Arizona’s 32% win rate tempers hype, but a talent upgrade is expected.
Tampa regrets OC miss; Bears dodged rebuild; Cleveland fellowship roots; Grand Valley celebrates. Baltimore’s connections with former Ravens, such as Drew Petzing, strengthen their offensive schemes.
While reports stress Murray parallels, Woolfork adapts broadly—Brissett thrived on care. Martin’s loyalty vs. Woolfork’s ambition fits Minter’s vision; Jackson needs independent offense boosts.
