Ravens Fire John Harbaugh After 18-Year Tenure
Baltimore fired head coach John Harbaugh after an 8-9 season, ending his 18-year tenure that included a 2012 Super Bowl win and multiple playoff appearances.
Overview
John Harbaugh, Ravens' head coach for 18 seasons, was fired after an 8-9 record and a missed playoff berth, ending his lengthy tenure in Baltimore.
Harbaugh's tenure included a Super Bowl championship in 2012 and multiple playoff appearances, establishing him as the Ravens' winningest coach.
The season concluded with a tight defeat to Pittsburgh 26-24 and a late field goal miss by rookie Tyler Loop, sealing playoff absence.
Harbaugh previously signed three-year extensions through 2028, reflecting stability that now contrasts with the recent downturn and an organization-wide reassessment.
ESPN reports that Jim Harbaugh is the leading candidate for the New York Giants' head coach job, signaling potential cross-league coaching intrigue.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this as a consequential pivot rather than a routine firing. They rely on evaluative language about the decision’s gravity, highlight market interest in Harbaugh to imply external validation, and present the Ravens' coming era as a potential risk or opportunity, shaping a narrative of change rather than stability.
Sources (12)
FAQ
John Harbaugh compiled a 193-124 record including postseason games over 18 seasons with the Ravens.
Harbaugh led the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII win in 2012, six AFC North titles, and multiple playoff appearances, including three AFC Championship games in his first five years.[1]
The Ravens finished 8-9, missing the playoffs after a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a missed field goal, amid inconsistency and blown leads despite high expectations.
Harbaugh started 9-4 in playoffs but went 4-7 later, with no deep runs after the 2012 Super Bowl despite Lamar Jackson's arrival and MVPs.
ESPN reports Jim Harbaugh, John's brother, as the leading candidate for the New York Giants' head coach job, hinting at coaching movement.
History
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