National Football League

Cameron content to run potent Ravens offense

Published Jul. 27, 2010 11:31 p.m. ET

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Cam Cameron might consider taking another crack at being an NFL head coach, if the right opportunity comes along.

For now, however, he's content being Baltimore's offensive coordinator - a job that became even more attractive after the Ravens' signed standout wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth.

But don't look for the playbook to change much, just for pass plays to work better.

''You're always tweaking what you do, especially when you add guys, but it won't be drastically different,'' Cameron said Tuesday after Baltimore completed its first training camp practice. ''It may change a little from week to week, but execution is where we're going to get better.''

After a successful five-year stint as offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, Cameron was hired in 2007 to be head coach of the Miami Dolphins. The team became depleted by injuries, most notably to starting quarterback Trent Green, and after the Dolphins stumbled to a 1-15 record Cameron was fired.

Miami's loss became Baltimore's gain: First-year head coach John Harbaugh quickly recruited Cameron to run the Ravens offense, and the team has reached the playoffs in each of the past years.

Last season the Ravens - long known for their defense - ranked ninth in the NFL in points (24.4) and set a franchise record for touchdowns (47). For the first time in history, Baltimore had a 3,000-yard passer (Joe Flacco, 3,613), a 1,000-yard rusher (Ray Rice, 1,339) and 1,000-yard receiver (Derrick Mason 1,028) in the same season.

That in itself is enough to keep Cameron happy.

''Head coaching was a great experience, but as a kid, I grew up wanting to be Roger Staubach. I wanted to be an NFL quarterback,'' he said. ''What I get to do right now is the next best thing.''

That doesn't necessarily mean he wouldn't listen to an offer to become a head coach, although Cameron has no intention of lobbying for the job.

''Head coaching is a different level, which I love,'' he said. ''I love them both, but right now I can't imagine having a better time anywhere else than right here.''

Cameron's first season in Baltimore coincided with Flacco's rookie year. The pair have worked together closely to form a bond of mutual respect, one Ravens fans hope will culminate with a Super Bowl championship.

''He's been a great teacher,'' Flacco said. ''Hopefully we can continue to grow and learn things from each other.''

A year ago, Rice was Baltimore's leading receiver. This year, Mason will be joined by Boldin and Stallworth to give Flacco more options when he drops into the pocket.

''The creativity, that's kind of the easy part,'' Cameron said. ''Execution and getting on the same page, that's really what training camp is all about. We've just got to get Joe on the same page with these receivers, and they can take a play that's been around 50 years and make it look like magic. That's the important thing.''

Harbaugh is certain the 49-year-old Cameron can make it happen. They met when Cameron was an assistant at Michigan, coaching Harbaugh's younger brother, quarterback Jim Harbaugh.

''I've known Cam for 26 years and have always respected him as a coach and person. So there's a trust level there that runs deeper than what meets the eye. Yet what meets the eye would be enough,'' Harbaugh said. ''He's got a proven track record as a coach. He's a great game-day play caller, one of the best I've ever seen. He just has a real knack and a feel for calling plays. The Ravens fan-base should be very proud of the fact that he's our offensive coordinator.''

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