The Baltimore Ravens have officially entered the 2026 coaching carousel, seeking the fourth head coach in franchise history after firing longtime coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday evening, per sources.
The move follows a disappointing 8–9 season capped by a 26–24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, knocking Baltimore out of the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Monday afternoon, Exhibit News Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported that the team was considering changes at both coordinator positions.
League sources have been anticipating potential change at the coordinator level in Baltimore. Stay tuned for the latest.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 5, 2026
The change would be amplified as ESPN’s NFL Senior Insider, Adam Schefter, released the news about Harbaugh’s firing on Tuesday night.
Sources: John Harbaugh is out as the Ravens head coach. pic.twitter.com/Rht9ssh01j
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2026
John Harbaugh’s Legacy and Sudden Exit
Harbaugh’s firing surprised many around the league. Across 18 seasons, he posted a 180–113 regular‑season record, a 13–11 playoff record, and was a Super Bowl XLVII champion in 2012. He had signed a contract extension in March that ran through 2028.
Fan frustration, however, had reached a boiling point. Harbaugh was booed off the field after a 44–10 loss to Houston, and social media calls for change grew louder throughout the year.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti released a statement Tuesday night addressing the decision.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 6, 2026
Playoff Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Despite having two‑time MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore went just 3–5 in the postseason over the last eight years. The Ravens blew nine double‑digit leads during that span—three in the 2025–26 season alone—and suffered four straight catastrophic playoff exits.
After Sunday’s regular‑season finale, Harbaugh was asked if he wanted to return for a 19th season. He replied, “Yeah, I love these guys.”
Players React to Uncertain Future
Ravens players sensed instability as well. When asked about Harbaugh’s status after the finale, All‑Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey said, “There could be a lot of change. I can really only speak for myself. I just wait and see if I’m part of the plans going forward or if I’m not.”
A New Era Begins in Baltimore
Harbaugh leaves as one of the NFL’s winningest active coaches, boasting a career winning percentage above 60%. But with 15 players set to hit free agency, the Ravens now face a pivotal offseason and a new challenge of finding the leader who will guide their next chapter.