The Baltimore Ravens have delivered the most shocking coaching move of the cycle.
The Ravens are firing John Harbaugh after 18 seasons with the franchise, according to multiple reports. The move comes two days after the Ravens lost in Pittsburgh to cost themselves the AFC North title and a playoff spot.
Harbaugh was the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL, so this comes as a shock. His job was thought to be safe until the weekend, when rumors began to spread that he might not be as safe as previously thought. That obviously proved to be the case, with the loss in Pittsburgh not helping matters.
There was some perception that things had grown stale under Harbaugh in recent years. While the Ravens consistently put together excellent regular seasons, they only made the AFC Championship game once since 2018 despite six playoff appearances and seasons that included 14 and 13 wins. There were also concerns about his relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson, though he did his best to dispel that as an issue.
No matter how stagnant things were, Harbaugh has a 180-113 career record and a Super Bowl victory to his name. He should have no trouble finding a new job quickly, and immediately becomes the top candidate on the coaching market. The Ravens, meanwhile, should be a hugely attractive opening, though Harbaugh leaves behind big shoes to fill.
