Baltimore Ravens Fire Head Coach John Harbaugh After 18 Seasons

BALTIMORE — In a major shakeup that reverberated across the NFL on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Baltimore Ravens have fired head coach John Harbaugh, ending one of the most successful coaching tenures in franchise history. ESPN reported and sources confirmed the move late Tuesday night, marking the conclusion of Harbaugh’s 18-year run as the leader of the Ravens’ sideline.

Harbaugh, 63, departs after compiling a 180–113 regular-season record and 13–11 mark in the playoffs, including a Super Bowl XLVII title in 2012 — the lone Lombardi Trophy in Ravens history. He became the winningest coach in franchise history and one of the longest-tenured in the league, second only to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin before this offseason.

What Led to the Decision

Baltimore’s disappointing finish to the 2025 season — an 8-9 record and a last-second loss at Pittsburgh that eliminated them from playoff contention — played a significant role in the Ravens’ decision to move on from Harbaugh, according to ESPN sources.

Despite being preseason Super Bowl contenders, the Ravens struggled throughout the year, finishing below .500 for just the third time under Harbaugh’s leadership. Local reports also highlighted the team’s uninspiring home record and growing fan frustration as contributing pressures.

In a statement accompanying his departure, owner Steve Bisciotti called the decision “incredibly difficult,” praising Harbaugh’s contributions both on and off the field and thanking him for nearly two decades of leadership.

Harbaugh now enters the NFL coaching market as one of the season’s most sought-after candidates, with multiple teams reportedly expressing interest within minutes of his firing, according to ESPN sources.

Who’s Next to Lead the Ravens?

With Harbaugh’s departure, the Ravens embark on a new era and a high-stakes coaching search. Baltimore has not replaced a head coach since 2008, when Harbaugh took over from Brian Billick.

Here’s a look at the leading possibilities as the Ravens search for their next leader:

🔹 1. Todd Monken — Internal Candidate

Current offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to be among the Ravens’ top internal candidates. Monken’s offenses have consistently been among the most dynamic in the NFL, and he already draws league interest from other teams with open head coaching vacancies. Promoting continuity could be appealing given the talented roster and Lamar Jackson in his prime.

🔹 2. Another Proven NFL Voice

Baltimore’s rich hiring history suggests the franchise could also look outward. Teams typically target experienced coordinators or recent head coaches with a track record of success. Names likely to surface in early interviews include several top offensive and defensive minds around the league — especially with multiple head coaching openings this offseason.

🔹 3. A Bold College or Analyst Hire

While less traditional for Baltimore, the Ravens could pursue a rising college coach or prominent NFL analyst. This trend has grown in recent years, as teams aim to inject innovation and fresh energy into their playcalling and culture.

The Lamar Jackson Factor

A critical piece of Baltimore’s next chapter is quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 2019 MVP remains under contract, and the next head coach will be expected to tailor an offense around his unique dual-threat ability. Jackson’s recent playoff struggles — including an inability to reach a second Super Bowl — have been a focal point of criticism toward the previous regime, and his relationship with Harbaugh was often dissected by local media and fans alike.

Therefore, the incoming coach must balance innovative offensive design with a strong collaborative spirit to maximize both Jackson’s prime years and Baltimore’s championship ambitions.

A New Era Begins in Baltimore

John Harbaugh’s firing marks the end of a remarkable chapter — one defined by consistency, cultural identity, and a Super Bowl trophy. As the Ravens enter a transition period, the stakes couldn’t be higher: the franchise must choose a leader capable of turning potential into performance and guiding Baltimore back to the postseason elite.

The coaching search is expected to unfold rapidly in the coming weeks, with interviews, background checks, and front-office strategy sessions shaping what could be one of the most consequential hires in Ravens history.