Baltimore Ravens fire head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons
The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, the team announced on Tuesday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the decision came following days of discussion, and General Manager Eric DeCosta informed the team.
The Ravens now join six other teams searching for new head coaches, which include the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders.
"This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. "Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership."
In March 2025, Harbaugh signed a three-year contract extension that would have kept him in Baltimore through at least 2028.
However, this season, the Ravens finished with a disappointing 8-9 season, while missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Last Sunday, in Harbaugh's final game, the Ravens lost 26-24 in Pittsburgh with the division title on the line, after kicker Tyler Loop missed the potential game-winning field goal.
"Our goal has always been and will always be to win Championships," Bisciotti said. "We strive to consistently perform at the highest level on the field and be a team and organization our fans take pride in. I will always be grateful for the extraordinary hard work and dedication displayed by John and his staff throughout the many successful years. I wish he, Ingrid and Alison all the best going forward."
Harbaugh released a parting statement, saying, "I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today. It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with gratitude and appreciation."
ESPN's Adam Schefter said Harbaugh's agent had already received phone calls from seven NFL teams expressing interest in hiring the coach.
Harbaugh's resume in Baltimore
Harbaugh was hired by the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. He was owner Steve Bisciotti's first head coach hire, after he had been the defensive back coach in Philadelphia.
In 18 seasons, Harbaugh coached the Ravens to a 13-11 postseason record and one Super Bowl championship. Overall, he posted a record of 193-124.
In Harbaugh's first season in Baltimore, the Ravens went 11-5 and earned a playoff berth.
Four years later, in 2012, the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, in Super Bowl XLVII.
Harbaugh was the NFL Coach of the Year in 2019.
Reaction to Harbaugh's firing
WJZ spoke with Baltimore Ravens fans at Jimmy's Famous Seafood and in Federal Hill who said they are thankful for Harbaugh's long tenure, which brought the city a championship, but a change needed to be made.
"Excitement, I'm grateful for Harbaugh for 18 great years, you know, a championship, but it's time to move on," said Ravens fan Jason Smith. "Definitely time to move on."
The Ravens, according to prognosticators, were the favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. Instead, with stars like Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the team underachieved and failed to make the playoffs.
"I didn't think it was gonna be John, but I think it's time to get some fresh ideas, some new plays," added Ravens fan Tierra Tucker. "I think we have the talent, but sometimes you just gotta start over."
Ravens fans told WJZ the team felt disjointed this season, and they are hoping a new head coach will steady the ship.
"I just don't feel like everybody was on the same page this year," said Ravens fan Malik Jones.
"I mean, I think the season speaks for itself," added Jon Carroll. "How many leads did we blow in the fourth quarter?"
"Harbaugh just doesn't know how to coach anymore," said Gunnar Mills. "He's outdated, and our coordinators are just panicking."
Former Ravens' Super Bowl champions Qadry Ismail and Torrey Smith joined WJZ's Purple Takeover special on Tuesday to share their thoughts on the coaching change.
"[Harbaugh] is a successful coach, but for the Ravens, it kind of reached its point, so as opposed to dragging it on, (the Ravens) can now look for head coaches," Ismail said. "Things have to change, and they can't remain the same, and I think that is where Steve Bisciotti made the ultimate decision for himself and the organization."
"Harbs, I know he will land on his feet," Smith added. "He's a guy I have a lot of love for as a coach and as a man, but for the Baltimore Ravens, sometimes there are times you have to hear a different voice and there is a sense of urgency by the organization to get it done now."
Now, the Ravens will begin a search for the fourth head coach in franchise history.
Fans told WJZ they want a defensive-minded coach to take the job.
"They have a good offensive coordinator if they don't get rid of him, then I would suggest maybe going defensive," said Laurence David.