The Baltimore Ravens are looking to move past a disappointing 8-9 season in 2025, which ended without a playoff berth and with the departure of longtime head coach John Harbaugh. The team decided to shake things up with a new offensive philosophy under new head coach Jesse Minter. Lamar Jackson leads the change. He won the NFL MVP award twice. He is a quarterback who can both pass and run well. Jackson’s offseason approach and how he responds to coaching expectations will be one of the biggest storylines as Baltimore prepares for the release of its 2026 schedule.
Jackson’s relationship with his coaches has always been a subplot. He’s skipped most voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) in recent seasons, eight of nine springs last year, and that trend was once again thrust into the spotlight with the Ravens’ new offensive leadership in place. That sets the stage for the latest firestorm between former NFL star Chad Johnson and Baltimore’s incoming offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
Chad Johnson Blasts New Baltimore Ravens OC Declan Doyle Over Lamar Jackson Workout Comments
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson looks on prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson looks on prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Social media lit up when Chad Johnson unloaded on Ravens OC Declan Doyle for his remarks about offseason participation. Doyle suggested the entire roster should plan to attend voluntary workouts. A message many interpreted as directed at Jackson, given his recent attendance history.
Johnson expressed criticism about how a new coach should handle sensitive topics, clearly articulating his views online. Johnson said the comments were ill-advised for a first impression on a franchise QB:
“You don’t do that coming in as a new coach! It’s dumb and it’s stupid! Why would you piss off your QB with a message like that! It’s stupid!”
Holy Sh*t: Chad Ochocinco goes OFF on new Ravens OC Declan Doyle for telling Lamar Jackson to show up for offseason workouts.
"You don't do that coming in as a new coach! It's dumb and it's stupid! Why would you piss off your QB with a message like that! It's stupid!"
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/QqFWsrKpMk
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 20, 2026
The backlash underscored how volatile coach-player dynamics can become when public messages are perceived as critiques. Johnson’s reaction wasn’t about play design or strategy. It was about approach and respect. This issue is significant in the NFL, especially for a player of Jackson’s caliber.
There is debate over whether Doyle specifically targeted Jackson in his comments. Doyle’s comments about voluntary attendance weren’t explicitly aimed at Jackson and applied broadly to the whole roster.
At Doyle’s introductory press conference, he emphasized building standards and relationships:
“We would expect them to be here, and certainly it is voluntary… if you want to say that you’re going to win a championship… that’s going to take work. That’s going to take collaboration… starting off this next regime on the right foot,”said Declan Doyle.
He also praised Jackson’s “growth mindset” and hunger to improve, stressing a collaborative vibe heading into the new season.
Doyle’s message may have been about cultural setting and early-season preparation. Johnson’s public dismissal crystallizes just how sensitive the narrative around Lamar Jackson remains. The Ravens hope expectations guide Baltimore into the 2026 campaign.