Bills, Packers On Radar For John Harbaugh?
When six non-Ravens HC openings existed, a report indicated seven teams reached out to John Harbaugh within minutes of his firing. Seven non-Baltimore openings are now present, with the Dolphins firing Mike McDaniel today. Another report, however, indicated as many as nine teams had contacted Harbaugh before the Miami development.
A Wednesday report indicated a push from a team playing in the wild-card round is a rumor floating out there, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio pinpoints two potentially interested clubs. The Bills and Packers are viewed by some around the league as teams to monitor with regards to lurking Harbaugh suitors.
Some other teams playing in the first round should not be completely disqualified from Harbaugh pursuits in the event of one-and-done playoff journeys, but Florio mentions Buffalo and Green Bay as the two being discussed the most. The Bills have employed Sean McDermott since 2017, and he has guided them to eight playoff berths. Matt LaFleur was a 2019 hire; he has missed the playoffs only one time since coming over from Tennessee.
LaFleur, though, may not be completely safe. The seventh-year Packers HC may need to win his first-round game to feel “completely” safe, per Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano, citing a feeling around the NFL on this situation. LaFleur is under contract through 2026, via the extension he signed in July 2022. New Packers president Ed Policy came out against lame-duck HCs, meaning a decision will need to be made on an extension before the 2026 season — and likely much earlier. Neither LaFleur nor GM Brian Gutekunst were extended before this season.
Green Bay successfully transitioned from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love under LaFleur. While Love has not flashed MVP-level form like Rodgers did by his third season at the controls, the successor has accounted himself well. Love finished third in QBR this season, finishing with 23 touchdown passes and six interceptions while averaging 7.7 yards per attempt. This came as the Packers played much of the season without Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft. The fast-emerging tight end’s unavailability has hurt the team’s passing attack, and the Packers’ defense has been without Micah Parsons since Week 15. LaFleur’s bunch sunk to 9-7-1, though the team did not play starters in Week 18.
The Pack booked three straight playoff byes from 2019-21 under LaFleur, venturing to two NFC championship games in that span. LaFleur’s decision to kick a field goal down eight in the final minutes of an NFC title game loss to the Buccaneers backfired, and his team went one-and-done as the No. 1 seed a year later. Although the Packers upset the No. 2-seeded Cowboys in Love’s first playoff game and then pushed the No. 1-seeded 49ers a week later, they lost to the Eagles in Round 1 last year. Though, the Eagles stampeding through the playoffs to a Super Bowl title did not make that loss look too bad.
The Bills are in a somewhat similar situation. LaFleur actually has as many conference championship game appearances as McDermott, despite the latter leading Josh Allen-led rosters for eight of his nine seasons. The Bills lost divisional-round games in three straight years before edging the Ravens to reach the AFC championship game last season.
Buffalo’s defense has regularly underwhelmed in marquee games against Kansas City, despite the AFC East powerhouse dominating that series in the regular season, and Allen (25:4 playoff TD:INT ratio) faces the prospect of turning 30 next year without a Super Bowl berth on his resume.
Harbaugh, 63, would seemingly be a fit for both teams due to neither being in rebuilding mode. The same cannot be said for a handful of the current lot of HC-needy teams. He will not take any interviews until next week, with Florio pointing to that timetable as matching up with the potential openings that could emerge after this weekend’s games. Harbaugh’s looming presence adds intrigue to the Packers and Bills’ opening-round contests.
As for the latest team to create a coaching vacancy, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson note the Dolphins have not reached out to Harbaugh yet. It would stand to reason that it is only a matter of time before that happens, however. But the Bills and/or the Packers entering this race could throw a wrench into other, less successful teams’ HC plans.
John Harbaugh Didn’t Lose Locker Room?
In an appearance today on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter pushed back on one of the narratives that gained traction in the wake of John Harbaugh‘s dismissal in Baltimore. As McAfee suggested the insiders had seen this coming, Schefter voiced his dissent to the notion Harbaugh had lost the locker room.
“I don’t think that information right there could be any…less true,” Schefter exclaimed. “The players were coming to his office, crying, hugging him, sending him ‘goodbyes,’ calling him one by one. If they felt that way, why are Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers and Isaiah Likely and all these players coming in crying, hugging him, giving him these long, warm goodbyes. I’m not buying it.”
[RELATED: Assessing Lamar Jackson’s Role In Ravens’ Coaching Decision]
As the interview continued, McAfee appealed to one of his frequent guests, former NFL center A.Q. Shipley to back up what Schefter was claiming. Shipley, who played for Harbaugh and the Ravens back in 2013, the second season of his eight-year career, called Harbaugh his favorite coach, after which Schefter chimed in to say that “that would be consistent with the type of things” that he had heard from other players. Shipley pointed to instances in which Harbaugh had his players’ backs and spoke to the respect that those moments garnered within Shipley and his teammates.
As McAfee went on to question why the departure would occur, if that were the case, Schefter mused on the concept that, sometimes, it’s just time for a change. He pointed to the Broncos as a two-time example of this fact, first utilizing the example of Dan Reeves. Reeves coached Denver for the first 12 years of his coaching career, amassed a 110-73-1 record, made the playoffs six times, won the division five times, advanced to the AFC Championship four times, and advanced to three Super Bowls but lost all three. Then-owner Pat Bowlen opted to part ways with Reeves and promoted Wade Phillips. Though, two years later Bowlen circled back to Mike Shanahan, who would win back-to-back Super Bowls shortly after, the first championships in franchise history.
Later on, in Denver, John Fox stepped in as head coach, and in a short, four-year stint went 46-18, winning the AFC West every season but losing his only Super Bowl appearance in 2013. Once again, the Broncos decided to move on from success, and Gary Kubiak won them their third Super Bowl the next year. Harbaugh had so much success up front, winning nine playoff games in his first five years, but as the franchise concluded his 18th season seeing only four more playoff wins in the 13 years since their Super Bowl victory, it’s clear there was a similar feeling with owner Steve Bisciotti.
It’s not all gloom for Harbaugh, though, as Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports reports that nine suitors have already emerged for Harbaugh; there are only seven open jobs in the NFL right now, including Baltimore. That means three teams with head coaches in place already have kicked the tires to inquire about his possible interest. The Dolphins are one such team, per Vacchiano, though Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald pushes back on that notion, “citing people on both sides.” And, though the other teams remain unnamed, Vacchiano also mentions “a big push” that could come from a team “playing this weekend in the wild-card playoff round.”
Harbaugh has most notably been made the No. 1 target for the Giants. They’ve made it no small secret that they are interested in hiring him, and according to Vacchiano, “they are high on Harbaugh’s list,” too. A source from the team claimed, “They have no reason to believe that Harbaugh is not seeking excessive power in the organization or that he feels he wouldn’t be able to work with (general manager Joe Schoen).” And, though Harbaugh has yet to set a meeting with the team, NFL insider Gary Myers backs Vacchiano’s report up, saying himself that Harbaugh “has genuine interest” in the job in New York. In fact, Harbaugh hasn’t made meetings yet with any teams, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the 63-year-old free agent is not expected to take part in any interviews until next week.
In Baltimore, though, the Ravens have hit the ground running in search of only the fourth head coach in franchise history. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak are both names that have come to the forefront early, but according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a name to watch out for as the hiring process picks up. Kubiak is the only one of the three not to have already worked in Baltimore or coached on the defensive side of the ball. Weaver was assistant head coach/defensive line coach for the Ravens not long ago, while Minter worked with the team’s defensive backs from 2017-20.
What’s interesting is that all three candidates have zero head coaching experience. That’s obviously not something that scares off the Ravens, though, considering Harbaugh’s 18 years for the team were his first in a head coaching role. What’s more important, it seems, is the potential that Weaver or Minter could be able to reestablish the defensive identity that made Baltimore such a feared opponent in Harbaugh’s early years, or the idea that an offensive-minded candidate like Kubiak may be just what Lamar Jackson needs to deliver the franchise’s third Super Bowl, one that Jackson promised the day they took him as the last pick in the first round.
2026 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
The Browns, Cardinals, Falcons and Raiders followed the Giants and Titans in firing head coaches, making those calls between the Week 18 conclusion and Black Monday. The Ravens then moved on from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons; two days later, the Dolphins canned Mike McDaniel. Here are the candidates connected to all eight of the HC-needy franchises. If more teams make changes, they will be added to the list.
Updated 1-8-26 (3:30pm CT)
Arizona Cardinals
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interview requested
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Mentioned as candidate
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): To interview 1/9
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): To interview
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview 1/9
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To interview 1/9
Atlanta Falcons
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Mentioned as candidate
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): To interview
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To interview 1/10
Baltimore Ravens
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Rumored candidate
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview 1/11
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
Cleveland Browns
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Rumored candidate
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interview requested
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): To interview 1/8
Las Vegas Raiders
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Mentioned as candidate
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): To interview 1/8
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): To interview 1/9
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview 1/8
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): To interview 1/8
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/7
Miami Dolphins
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored candidate
New York Giants
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): To interview
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Rumored candidate; staying at Notre Dame
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Mentioned as candidate
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Early frontrunner
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): To interview 1/8
- Mike Kafka, interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/7
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): To interview 1/13
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons). To interview 1/8
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
- Antonio Pierce, former head coach (Raiders): To interview 1/8-9
- Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator (Broncos): To interview
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Rumored candidate
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Rumored candidate
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/7
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate
Tennessee Titans
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): To interview’
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Mentioned as candidate
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Rumored candidate; staying at Notre Dame
- Jason Garrett, former offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview requested
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interview requested
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/7
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCoy, interim head coach (Titans): To interview
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Mentioned as candidate
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): To interview 1/12
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview 1/8
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Steve Sarkisian, head coach (Texas): Rumored candidate; expected to stay at Texas
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Mentioned as candidate
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): To interview 1/10
Falcons Interested In John Harbaugh; Latest On Giants’ Pursuit
It took no time for former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to draw interest from other NFL teams.
No club appears to be more invested than the Giants, who are “all-in” in securing the 62-year-old coach, per SNY’s Connor Hughes. They were among the first teams with reported interest, though several followed suit. Among them are the Falcons, who are “increasingly interested,” according to Hughes.
Teams will be looking to move fast to secure Harbaugh’s services. He could meet with the Giants as early as this weekend (via The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor), as they have already begun interviewing their candidates. Their other potential hires include ex-Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was seen as an early frontrunner before Harbaugh became available.
Harbaugh may have a similar effect on other head coaching searches. That could raise questions about the NFL’s Rooney Rule, especially if a team fires their current head coach to hire Harbaugh. They would still have to interview at least two minority candidates under the Rooney Rule, but those would clearly be shams, resulting in declined interviews and/or punishment from the NFL. Going to New York or Atlanta, who already have openings and interview requests out to multiple minority candidates, might be the cleanest outcome.
Like the Giants, the Falcons have a young quarterback in place, though he may not have the same affinity for Michael Penix Jr. that he reportedly does for Jaxson Dart. But Atlanta’s roster is stocked with young talent on both sides of the ball that would keep Harbaugh out of a rebuilding situation he would likely prefer to avoid. New York seems like a bigger risk for that kind of scenario, though Harbaugh may also want to spearhead a rebuild for his second act, too. And of course, even a single offseason of heavy investment via the trade, free agency, and the trade market could get the Giants back in playoff contention next year.
Of course, Harbaugh will still need to close the deal in his interviews. He is going in with the huge advantage of his pedigree and the respect he commands around the NFL, but the Ravens did not fire him for no reason. He will need to prove he can still remain adaptable to the modern league and continue to connect with players four decades his junior.
John Harbaugh Fallout: Ravens, Monken, Timing, Jackson, Kingsbury
The Ravens’ decision to fire John Harbaugh on Tuesday might be this offseason’s biggest move. The ramifications are already spreading around the NFL, and no team has more to handle than the Ravens themselves. This offseason was already a crucial one for Baltimore, as Lamar Jackson is due for another round of extension negotiations in the coming months.
The two-time MVP already has considerable sway inside the organization, and the leverage from his contract talks only boosts his current influence. That factored into this process, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. While Jackson did not necessarily engineer Harbaugh’s ouster, there still may have been some friction between the veteran quarterback and Baltimore’s coaching staff. The team has long been frustrated with Jackson’s offseason practice habits, and routinely skipping Wednesdays this season to rest and recover from a myriad of injuries may have re-raised the issue.
While Harbaugh and Jackson were still believed to have a good relationship, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Ravens seem to be looking for a better fit with their franchise quarterback. According to Rapoport, the team is looking for someone who can “reach,” “invigorate,” and get the “absolute most” out of Jackson. The Ravens were believed to have pushed Harbaugh to fire OC Todd Monken. The HC’s refusal contributed to his own exit.
Here is the latest from this firing:
- Harbaugh himself felt unappreciated in his final years in Baltimore and seems ready for a new challenge, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. That aligns with his exploration of other jobs around the league, particularly those like the Giants’ with a young quarterback and a desire to rebuild.
- A number of teams are already interested in Harbaugh, including a few that still have head coaches under contract. Those teams will need to carefully weigh their chances of hiring the ex-Ravens leader. They are unlikely to axe their current coaches unless they are confident they can land Harbaugh, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Teams are permitted to reach out to Harbaugh as a coaching free agent.
- Though Harbaugh’s removal seems to be the culmination of several things in Baltimore, the timing still took team and coach by surprise, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Those in the building seemed to expect Harbaugh to go along with firing Monken but his refusal to do so precipitated his firing. As of Tuesday afternoon, a view in the building pointed to Harbaugh staying, Hensley adds. The firing coming soon after will bring sweeping changes for an organization that has exuded stability for many years.
- The Ravens are expected to have a “complete makeover, especially on offense,” according to Hensley. Jackson’s input on the direction of the unit will likely play a factor.
- One route the team could go down is hiring Kliff Kingsbury, who recently parted ways with the Commanders. The offensive guru has found success with mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels, and Jackson would no doubt be an interesting move considering Jackson’s status as maybe the greatest running quarterback in NFL history. Baltimore has already been mentioned as a landing spot for Kingsbury, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and The Washington Post’s Mark Maske. The Commanders moved on from Kingsbury after a report indicated friction between he and GM Adam Peters, among disagreements between the front office and the coaching staff, took place this season.
Dolphins GM Candidates Being Asked About Mike McDaniel Status; John Harbaugh Not In Play?
The Dolphins are conducting a GM search that could determine where they go at head coach. For the time being, Mike McDaniel remains employed as HC — to the point he is being given input on the GM search — but it is not certain he will receive a fifth season.
Miami’s set of GM interviews thus far have seen candidates asked about working with McDaniel, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. But the meetings have also included the search committee asking the candidates about thoughts on replacing the four-year HC and starting fresh. This prospect came up Tuesday as well.
Considering the issues mismatched timelines can cause, it is unsurprising the Dolphins are listening to candidates’ views about working with a coach on the hot seat. More teams as of late have opted to start their GM and HC timeclocks concurrently. But Dolphins ownership is believed to be fond of McDaniel, hence the interesting situation in which he has input on a process that involves his job status.
This is certainly not the smoothest setup, but it is how the Dolphins are proceeding with their first GM search in 10 years. McDaniel still appears to have a better chance to stay than be canned, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano note, indicating the embattled leader still has support in “important parts of the building.”
Chris Grier did not have full roster control until 2019, but the Dolphins promoted him to GM in 2016. Miami has not hired a GM from outside the organization since appointing Dennis Hickey to the post in 2014. This represents uncovered ground for the modern Dolphins, who have brought in Troy Aikman to help with the hire. Aikman’s old coach, Jimmy Johnson, suggested the team speak with the ESPN analyst, Outkick.com’s Armando Salguero notes.
Following a rather publicized Cowboys breakup, Johnson ended up back in Miami coaching the Dolphins from 1996-99. Stephen Ross was not yet the team owner during Johnson’s tenure, but the Hall of Fame coach still clearly has a line to the franchise. Aikman joins Dan Marino and other staffers on the search committee.
Three of the Dolphins’ GM candidates — Josh Williams, Tariq Ahmad, R.J. Gillen — are 49ers staffers who worked with McDaniel previously. Hiring one of them would point to the HC staying on. Hiring one of the other interviewees, however, may lead elsewhere. An interesting possible third door opened Tuesday night, as the Ravens fired John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Harbaugh is believed to have received interest from at least seven teams, meaning at least one club without a coaching vacancy gauged his interest. Considering McDaniel’s tenuous status, it would stand to reason they would reach out to the new coaching free agent.
This may or may not have occurred. The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports the Dolphins have been in touch with Harbaugh, adding team ownership is believed to have an affinity for the veteran HC. Countering this, however, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson indicates no engagement of any kind has taken place between the Dolphins and Harbaugh.
Considering Harbaugh’s accomplishments, it would be natural to assume the Dolphins would have interest. But the lot of HC-needy teams, most notably the Giants, does as well. Harbaugh has only coached with the Eagles and Ravens since entering the NFL in 1998. He would provide a proven option on a market that largely lacks them. The team that does end up with Harbaugh, though, would seemingly need to be a non-rebuilding operation presently.
Dolphins ownership did move on from Grier due partially to the GM’s interest in conducting a fire sale at the trade deadline, pointing against a rebuild. Then again, the team appears on the verge of dropping Tua Tagovailoa and looking for a new quarterback. That would at least present a key rebuild ingredient, which could make a Harbaugh fit clunky.
Ravens Fire HC John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh‘s lengthy Ravens tenure is coming to an end. The Super Bowl-winning head coach has been fired, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news is now official, per a team announcement.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz describes this as a mutual parting of ways, although in the wake of Week 18 Harbaugh expressed a desire to continue in his current role. That will no longer be the case. The remainder of the coaching staff is currently being informed of the news, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network adds.
[RELATED: Giants Preparing Aggressive Run At Harbaugh?]
Harbaugh believed he would be safe as of earlier today, Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport notes (video link). A lengthy conversation with owner Steve Bisciotti resulted in today’s decision being made, Schultz adds. It appears a split existed between the two on the matter of coaching staff makeup.
Harbaugh refused to entertain the thought of dismissing offensive coordinator Todd Monken, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. That proved to be a “key pressure point” leading to this unexpected news. Monken had overseen back-to-back Lamar Jackson first-team All-Pro seasons, but a rumor about the Ravens being ready to consider coordinator changes emerged shortly after the 26-24 loss to the Steelers. The Browns have requested an HC interview with Monken.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach,” Bisciotti said. “Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties. 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.”
Leading up to the regular-season finale, many suggested a firing would come as a surprise. In the aftermath of Baltimore’s last-second loss on Sunday night, though, it remained unclear whether or not the 18-year partnership between team and coach would continue. Harbaugh had three years remaining on his contract thanks to the extension he signed last March. Now, the Ravens will conduct a head coaching search for the first time since 2008.
Especially in the early portion of his Baltimore tenure, Harbaugh enjoyed a strong run of success. Baltimore won at least one playoff game during each of his first five years in charge. That span was highlighted by victory in Super Bowl XLVII against a 49ers team lead by his brother Jim. Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco (whose career began in 2008) quickly developed a reputation for playoff success. This culminated in a dominant postseason run that included road wins over the No. 1-seeded Broncos and No. 2-slotted Patriots, leading to that dramatic win in the Harbaugh Bowl.
Consistent turnover at the offensive coordinator spot in particular proved to be a common theme through much of the Harbaugh-Flacco era, and over time the postseason runs led by them became less frequent. Still, Harbaugh’s eight road wins in the playoffs remain an all-time NFL record (h/t Schefter). The 2025 campaign represents only his third in which the Ravens finished with a losing record.
As Flacco aged, his regular-season showings began to wane and questions were raised about a potential succession plan. In 2018, Baltimore traded back into the first round to select Jackson. A Flacco back injury opened the door for Jackson to take on starting duties as a rookie midway though the campaign, and a strong finish to the season avoided what would have been a fourth straight year outside of the playoffs at the time. Before the Ravens had clinched a spot, though, Harbaugh had already received a new commitment from Bisciotti.
Overseeing the Ravens’ transition to a far different offense with Jackson, things went well early on. Jackson unanimously won the MVP award in 2019, with Harbaugh taking home Coach of the Year honors. Baltimore was the AFC’s No. 1 seed that year and faced high expectations as a result. An upset loss to the Titans proved to be one of many shortcomings in January that Baltimore has encountered since then, however.
During Jackson’s eight-year career, the Ravens have reached the playoffs six times. Injuries (including in 2025) have played a factor in the instances where that was not the case, but all told Baltimore has reached just one AFC title game in that span. The Ravens lost to the Chiefs as the No. 1 seed. Breaking through in the AFC playoff picture will be a goal early and often for Harbaugh’s successor, someone who will inherit a roster led by Jackson and several other highly-regarded players on both sides of the ball.
Harbaugh, meanwhile, will instantly be seen as a top candidate in the 2026 pool presuming he decides to coach next season. The 63-year-old was mentioned early today as someone on the radar of HC-needy teams like the Falcons and Giants. Interest is expected to be widespread around the league.
Overall, Harbaugh’s Baltimore tenure ends with 12 playoff appearances (including six division titles). His regular-season win percentage sits at .614 and his resume includes a 13-11 record in the postseason. Harbaugh signed six extensions as Ravens HC, including one that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid HCs earlier this year. A former special teams assistant during Andy Reid‘s Eagles stint, Harbaugh now faces an uncertain future for the first time in nearly two decades.
Giants Hold John Harbaugh As Frontrunner For HC Job?
Prior to the news of John Harbaugh‘s Ravens exit, the Giants had been viewed as a team monitoring that situation closely. Now that Harbaugh is available, New York looks to have considerable interest.
The Giants are believed to have Harbaugh as their top choice, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter calling him a favorite to land the gig. The team had prepared for the possibility Harbaugh would become available, per ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan. After Big Blue has struck out on coaches post-Tom Coughlin, Harbaugh appears a clear target.
Harbaugh, 63, is believed to have a high regard for the Giants’ job and Jaxson Dart, The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor tweets. After Week 18 began with a thin-looking talent pool for HC-needy teams, Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski have become available. Stefanski is already set to interview with the Giants this week.
Six non-Baltimore HC openings currently exist, but teams who have a head coach employed are believed to be in on Harbaugh too. Within an hour of Harbaugh’s ouster, Schefter reports at least seven teams have reached out to the newly available coach. Other teams without HC openings are likely to follow, Schefter adds. Considering Harbaugh’s experience and credentials, and this year’s crop lacking the level of candidates the Ben Johnson-Mike Vrabel 2025 pool included, it is unsurprising he is generating this much interest early.
Harbaugh has only worked for two NFL teams despite coaching in the league since 1998. Ray Rhodes hired him to be on the Eagles’ staff that year, and Andy Reid kept him on as special teams coordinator for an additional eight years. Hired by the Ravens in 2008, Harbaugh became the rare ST coach to rise to the HC level. He enjoyed immediate success and guided Baltimore to 12 playoff berths and Super Bowl XLVII, where he edged brother Jim in a Ravens-49ers shootout.
With so much interest in Harbaugh, the Giants could be in a competition. The team’s decision to retain GM Joe Schoen after a mostly woeful first four seasons becomes more interesting when it comes to attracting a top candidate. The Giants have gone 7-27 over the past two seasons,. The jury is still out on Dart, but the team will not enter this draft with a quarterback need. Big Blue’s QB situation compares favorably to a few of the HC-needy teams’ depth charts at the game’s marquee spot, though the roster needs plenty of repair.
Harbaugh’s age does introduce a complication for interested teams. Clubs considering a rebuild would not appear to be fits for Harbaugh. No coach has ever been hired past the age of 66 (Bruce Arians). Harbaugh should still land a gig immediately, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicates he is expected to want one. But the age component is not one to entirely dismiss. That said, a few interviews will probably be set up soon. The Giants figure to be among those clearing part of their schedule to talk with the seasoned coaching vet.
Giants, Falcons Among Teams Monitoring Ravens HC John Harbaugh’s Status
Changes of some kind are expected on the Ravens’ coaching staff. It remains unclear if that will include the departure of John Harbaugh, but his situation is drawing considerable attention. 
A parting of ways between Harbaugh and the Ravens has been floated late in the season, one in which the team finished 8-9 and fell short of the playoffs. Leading up to Week 18’s winner-take-all game against the Steelers, it appeared as though a firing would be considered a surprise. Still, uncertainty looms over the situation with the list of coaching vacancies taking shape.
Harbaugh has been at the helm of the Ravens for 18 seasons; only Mike Tomlin‘s Steelers tenure is longer. Baltimore authorized a three-year extension last March, and owner Steve Bisciotti is well known to hold Harbaugh in very high regard. Those factors point to stability at the HC position for 2026. Nevertheless, Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports there are teams “monitoring” the possibility of Harbaugh departing. Included among them are the Giants and Falcons.
This comes after Josina Anderson of The Exhibit described Harbaugh as being “well-coveted” by teams around the league. That no doubt includes at least some of those with a vacancy at the moment (such as New York and Atlanta). Six openings are in place currently, although the possibility exists for that number to increase depending on how things play out in yet-to-be-finalized cases such as Harbaugh’s.
Per Anderson, movement amongst the coaching staff will be coming “relatively soon.” That could include a parting of ways with one or both of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Monken has been on the head coaching radar in previous years, and earlier today he received an interview request from the Browns.
Details on the matter of assistant coaches will be worth watching for closely in Baltimore’s case. Until a firm commitment becomes public from the team, meanwhile, Harbaugh’s status will remain at least somewhat unclear. A final decision will have implications for Baltimore but it could also make a notable impact on this year’s hiring cycle.
Ravens Considering Coordinator Changes?
The Ravens’ heartbreaking loss to the Steelers on Sunday night have raised whispers of change in Baltimore into a cacophony.
However, such change is more likely to happen at the coordinator level than at the very top with head coach John Harbaugh, per The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson. The Ravens just signed Harbaugh to a three-year extension at the beginning of this year that kept him as one of the NFL’s highest-paid head coaches. He has held that role for 19 years with one Super Bowl and consistent playoff appearances. The team also values stability and continuity in their key leadership positions and would not move on one lightly.
“There is absolutely no reason to believe the Ravens would fire John Harbaugh,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said on Tuesday, though he did not rule out the possibility of a mutual parting of ways. He also acknowledge that “some level of change does feel sort of inevitable.”
His colleague Ian Rapoport added that any changes in Baltimore would be focused on offensive coordinator Todd Monken after significant regression from top-five units in the last two years. The Ravens fell outside of the top 10 in points and yards for just the second time with Lamar Jackson as a starter. The first was in 2022 under then-OC Greg Roman, who was replaced by Monken after the season. Could history repeat itself?
Despite also overseeing significant – and perhaps more severe – defensive coordinator Zach Orr is not thought to be on the hot seat. The young ex-Ravens linebacker has led one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses in both of his seasons as defensive coordinator, and this year, he was not able to inspire a similar end-of-season turnaround to 2024. But Orr is still valued inside the Ravens’ facility and seems to be safe. He should still enter the 2026 season under significant scrutiny to return to Baltimore’s core identity as a stifling defense that can better complement Jackson and the offense.
