Offensive coordinator Roman, Ravens part ways after defeat
Greg Roman is leaving Baltimore after four seasons as offensive coordinator for other opportunities after the Ravens' wildcard loss.
Roman's agency, Athletes First, announced his decision before a Ravens news conference Thursday afternoon with coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta.
“Greg devised and led our offense to no fewer than 26 historical NFL and franchise achievements,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “He established an identity for our offense. We are grateful for Greg's great work and abilities, and we wish him and his wonderful family the utmost happiness going forward.”
Roman took over as the Ravens offensive coordinator in 2019 working with Lamar Jackson. That year Roman was honored as The Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year with Jackson as the NFL's unanimous MVP. With Jackson playing, the Ravens went 39-15 with Roman as coordinator.
But the Ravens averaged just 13.6 points over their final six games with Jackson out with an injured knee before losing in the wild-card round to Cincinnati.
BUCCANEERS SHAKE UP COACHING STAFF >> Byron Leftwich is out as offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are shaking up their coaching staff after finishing with the only losing record Tom Brady has had in more than two decades as a NFL starter.
Leftwich, 43, was fired three days after the Bucs were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys and just two years removed from helping Brady win a record seventh Super Bowl in the quarterback's first season with Tampa Bay.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles also announced Chris Boniol (specialists), Kevin Garver (wide receivers), Jeff Kastl (offensive quality control), Lori Locust (assistant defensive line) and Todd McNair (running backs) will not return next season.
In addition, quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, senior offensive assistant Rick Christophel and outside linebackers coach Bob Sanders have decided to retire, the team said.
VIKINGS FIRE DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR >> The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, an unsurprising decision on the veteran coach after a dismal finish by his defense. The Vikings ranked second worst in yards allowed in the NFL and fourth worst in points allowed during the regular season.
MIAMI FIRES DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR BOYER >> The Miami Dolphins fired Josh Boyer after three seasons as the team's defensive coordinator.
MAHER IN LINE TO KEEP ROLE WITH COWBOYS >> Brett Maher was perfect on all six field goals reporters were allowed to see at Dallas Cowboys practice.
The beleaguered kicker made NFL history — regular season or playoffs — by missing his first four extra points in a wild-card victory over Tampa Bay.
Tristan Vizcaino followed with two misses in five attempts a day after the Cowboys signed him to the practice squad in case the yips continued for Maher.
Now it's on to the sixgame losing streak in the divisional round when Dallas (13-5) visits San Francisco (14-4) on Sunday night.
SAINTS' JORDAN WINS APPEAL OF LEAGUE FINE >> New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan said he's won his appeal of the NFL's decision to fine him $50,000 for allegedly faking an injury.
Jordan is also questioning the NFL's process for handing down punishment before requesting medical records needed to make an informed ruling.
Jordan said that the NFL sought and reviewed records from physicians leading up to his recent appeal, but stressed, “shouldn't that have happened before the fine?”
The Saints, who as a club also have denied wrongdoing, were fined $350,000 by the league office. Coach Dennis Allen was fined $100,000 and co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was fined $50,000. General manager Mickey Loomis said last week that the club has a separate appeal pending.