John Harbaugh‘s new deal is finally done. On Thursday, the Ravens announced the signing of a fresh contract for their head coach. It’s a four-year extension that will take him through the 2023 season.
Harbaugh and the Ravens began discussing an extension early in January, but things took a bit of time to come together. Ultimately, the two sides were able to hash things out after a few weeks. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but it’s likely that the new deal will position him as one of the highest paid head coaches in the NFL.
In this cycle, multiple teams were said to be mulling trades for Harbaugh that probably would have called for the forfeiture of draft compensation. The Buccaneers and Dolphins gave it real thought, but they wound up hiring Bruce Arians and Brian Flores, respectively.
Harbaugh, 56, is 114-77 for his career and ranks fifth in wins among active coaches. Three straight Ravens playoff absences — and a 40-40 record from 2013-17 — moved him close to the chopping block, but the switch to Jackson (and Baltimore’s defense returning to elite status) transformed a 4-5 team to a 10-6 division champion. This past season marked the Ravens’ seventh playoff appearance under Harbaugh.
From the hot seat to starting a new QB to a 4 year ext. Impressive
You wake up one morning and look around at all the coaches being replaced and say, “114-77. What in the freak was I thinking about?”
Unfortunately that line of thinking wasn’t extended further. Joe Flacco was 96-67 and without him getting himself injured, John is not going to get that nice extension. In payment for those services Joe’s reward is a ticket out of town 🙁
Ravens ownership should be embarrassed of themselves. Harbaugh is a really good coach and it took them a long time to figure that out. I hope Harbaugh is one of the three highest paid coaches in the league… part of me wishes Harbaugh went to coaching free agency, see what would have happened then.
I’ve seen enough running QB’s to know that’s not a formula for long term success. Good thing his contract is guaranteed. Well played coach.
Exactly. Defenses catch on within a year or two or worse the QB gets hurt then what do you do?
Agreed. Lamar Jackson needs to improve his passing game SIGNIFICANTLY if he wants to make it in this league. Become more like Russell Wilson and less like Tim Tebow. Then all will be well.