Ravens Part Ways With John Harbaugh After 18 Seasons
- BALTIMORE — The most stable partnership in the AFC has finally snapped. The Baltimore Ravens officially moved on from John Harbaugh on Tuesday night, ending a storied 18-year tenure that included a Super Bowl ring and 180 regular-season victories. Owner Steve Bisciotti made the call just 48 hours after the Ravens were bounced from playoff contention in a 26-24 heartbreaker against the Steelers.
— Joe (@joeroxz_xo) January 7, 2026
The Monken Standoff and the Lamar Rift
While the missed kick by rookie Tyler Loop was the visible catalyst, internal tension had been simmering for months. Sources indicate the “comprehensive evaluation” mentioned by ownership centered on a growing disconnect between Harbaugh and star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The relationship reportedly cooled as the offense sputtered late in the season, finishing with three straight home losses—a franchise worst.
The breaking point reportedly involved offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Reports suggest Harbaugh refused to entertain a staff overhaul, leading Bisciotti to decide that a completely new voice was the only way to maximize Jackson’s remaining prime years. Harbaugh leaves with a 180-113 career mark, but a 24-27 record over the last three seasons proved too much to ignore.
Black Monday Claims Seven Victims
Harbaugh’s exit is the headliner of a brutal coaching cycle. The league is currently a graveyard of veteran resumes. In Cleveland, Kevin Stefanski was let go after six seasons following a 5-12 finish. The Raiders cut ties with Pete Carroll after just one disastrous 3-14 year, despite Carroll having two years left on his deal.
The current list of NFL coaching vacancies:
- Baltimore Ravens: Searching for a leader to bridge the gap with Lamar Jackson.
- Cleveland Browns: Moving on from Stefanski despite his two Coach of the Year trophies.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Tom Brady will reportedly advise on the search for Carroll’s successor.
- Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot both ousted after an 8-9 finish.
- Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon gone after a 15-36 tenure.
What They Said
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the 18 years we spent together. John is a Hall of Fame coach and a man of high integrity, but we believe a change in direction is necessary to reach our championship goals.” — Steve Bisciotti, Ravens Owner
“I was hoping for a different message on my last day here, but I leave with nothing but gratitude. We built something that lasts.” — John Harbaugh, in a statement released by the team
What’s Next for Harbaugh and the Ravens?
Harbaugh won’t stay unemployed for long. He immediately becomes the top target for the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, both of whom crave the culture and discipline he brought to Baltimore for nearly two decades. For the Ravens, the search begins for a modern offensive mind. Names like Klint Kubiak and Joe Brady are already circulating in league circles as potential fits to revitalize a unit that felt stagnant during the December collapse.
The road to Super Bowl LX continues this weekend without the Ravens. While the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks enjoy their byes, the rest of the league watches to see who will fill the void left by one of the NFL’s most respected leaders.
