Ravens O-line coach Dwayne Ledford will optimize HB Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry will have his utilization optimized in 2026. The hiring of new Ravens run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford is one of many intentional staffing hires by head coach Jesse Minter, who is looking to redeem the franchise with his efforts.

Ledford isn’t simply the run game coordinator; he also operates as the offensive line coach, with plans to bring harmony between the offense’s run-blocking, pass-protection, and overall play scheme. Motivation wasn’t the missing factor for the Ravens offense that ranked No. 16 in the NFL with 332.2 yards per game in 2025. Instead, it was the lack of cohesiveness between the players and coaches, unrest about play-calling, and lack of consistency in situational football.

Ledford, new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, and running back Derrick Henry understand the mission. Doyle, or “Dec,” according to Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, helped restore the Chicago Bears‘ rushing attack last season. The Bears finished ranked No. 3 in the NFL in rushing yards with 144.5 per game. The Ravens finished last season with an average of 156.6 rush yards per game, ranking at No. 2 in the NFL. Henry finished 2025 ranked No. 2 in total rushing yards, but had three other NFL players tally more rushing attempts.

Well, Ledford is ready to make sure Henry leads the NFL in rushing yards and that the Ravens are the leading rushing NFL team in 2026.

Ledford and Doyle will rely on Henry and reserve Justice Hill to handle the duties in their 11-personnel packages. With Doyle using a more stretch style run-offense, Ledford will be relying on the youth and finesse of players like offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, and rookie offensive guard Iaone Vega to get downhill and to latch on to second-level defenders.

These dynamic designs are alleged, but existed heavily for Doyle with the Bears last season. With the acquisition of new receivers and a new playbook, expect Ledford to deploy more practical run-schemes and help Minter propel the Ravens to the top of the AFC in 2026.