“There has to be that guy who says what we?ll do: ?There are a lot of options, but this is what we?ll do,?” Billick said. “And it has to have a certain level of competence and experience. … And right now, offensively, with where we?re at, I believe I am in the best position to do that, to move forward.”

In making the decision, the man once touted as an offensive genius also put his future on the line. Following a disappointing 2005 season, Billick appeared with team owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Ozzie Newsome in a press conference in which Bisciotti said Billick needed to change his approach to keep his job.

Despite the team?s unblemished record through its first four games this season, several players expressed disappointment with a lack of production. Ironically, Billick?s dramatic decision came a day after he said big changes in the team?s schemes were not expected.

“You can?t be unrealistic,” he said Monday. “We are not going to come out and start running the wishbone. … It?s just not going to happen.”

Fassel said during the preseason he was putting wrinkles in the offense to suit new quarterback Steve McNair. The productivity did not follow, as the Ravens? passing game was ranked 27th in the NFL.

During training camp, Billick refuted a published report that said he took over play-calling inside the 20-yard line from Fassel last year.

“Jim called every play last year, virtually every play,” Billick said in August. “He made it very clear. He repeated himself twice. Jim?s saying, ?I called virtually every play last year.? Now, you can?t be more direct and honest than that.”