It’s been two weeks since the Ravens dismissed Brian Billick as Head Coach, an unexpected move that received rave reviews from most fans. But it is fair to say that all has not proceeded swimmingly since then, and while the off-season has hardly even begun, the pressure to settle the issue is mounting.

Perhaps “settle” is a poor choice of words at this point…

Settling is the last thing Ravens fans want to do and the last thing anyone expected this team to do - especially with a front office known for its ability to get things done quickly and correctly. At this point, however, with Jason Garrett passing on the Ravens’ offer, and other notable names falling off the list, someone has to be wondering what’s going on.

Suddenly this entire experience is more reminiscent of the Orioles in the last decade than it is of the Ravens. Since the Ravens arrival, the teams have been on paths heading towards very separate poles. But firing a successful coach, just one season after a serious extension and just one year removed from a 13-win season? And then, to put on their best dog-and-pony show (reminiscent of the tricks that lured in the likes of Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson), and be turned down? You can find “Orioles” stamped all over this story.

Needless to say, no one expected the search to happen the way it has. The general consensus, among fans and the media, was that Rex Ryan (the Ravens defensive coordinator) not only had the inside edge, but could legitimately be the best option for this team. It was supposed to be quick, neat and clean - Brian out, Rex in, and the Ravens back on their way. Instead, the Ravens apparently passed on Ryan, and now they may have missed their chance to see him back as coach or coordinator.

And that leaves the organization and its fans in the odd position of settling for what’s left. John Harbaugh, a defensive and special teams coach for the Eagles, is apparently next in line. Both the team and the fans have now fallen to their second choice. And while Harbaugh might not be too bothered, you have to imagine he is less than thrilled knowing he’s only coming back to take someone else’s scraps.

So, at this point, the question certainly arises: wouldn’t it have just made more sense to stick with Billick? For as unpopular as he was over the last ten weeks of the 2007 season, Billick’s success speaks for itself. He was a serious part of the team’s growth over the last nine years, winning two division titles and a Super Bowl. He was far from perfect, but he was far from atrocious as well.

Like any time you opt for an upgrade, the assumption is you’re going to come out better because of it - that the goods you’re buying are going to be more valuable than the goods your selling. After 18 days and a series of interviews, everyone has to be wondering if maybe Billick really was the best thing out there…