> At a Glance
> – John Harbaugh fired after 18 seasons and an 8-9 record in 2024
> – 180-113 overall record, one Super Bowl title and three AFC Championship losses
> – Six teams now hunting for a new coach; Harbaugh expected to be top candidate
> – Why it matters: A Hall-of-Fame résumé just hit the open market, reshaping the NFL coaching carousel
The Baltimore Ravens have ended the longest active head-coaching tenure in the league, parting ways with John Harbaugh one day after the regular-season finale.
The Decision
Owner Steve Bisciotti praised Harbaugh’s impact in a statement, calling the 63-year-old a Hall-of-Fame-caliber leader:
> “Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership.”
The Ravens finished 8-9, missing both the AFC North crown and the final playoff spot when rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal on the last play of Week 18.
Coaching Carousel Fallout
With Harbaugh now available, the already fluid market gains its most decorated candidate. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports:
> “Harbaugh will become the top head-coaching candidate in this cycle.”
Current openings:
- New York Giants
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Cleveland Browns
- Atlanta Falcons
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
Schefter adds that at least one team with an incumbent coach has already reached out.
By the Numbers
| Statistic | Harbaugh | Ravens History |
|---|---|---|
| Seasons | 18 | Longest ever |
| Record | 180-113 | Best % (.614) |
| Playoff W | 11 | Most in team |
| Road W | 8 | NFL record |
Roster Still Loaded
Baltimore’s vacancy remains attractive thanks to a star-studded core:
- Lamar Jackson – two-time MVP quarterback
- Derrick Henry – star running back
- Kyle Hamilton – All-Pro safety
- Roquan Smith – elite linebacker
- Isaiah Likely – rising tight end
Key Takeaways
- Harbaugh’s 18-year run trails only Mike Tomlin for longest current tenure
- Ravens made playoffs three straight years prior to 2024 slump
- Franchise has had just three head coaches since 1996
- New coach inherits a playoff-ready roster in a stacked AFC
Baltimore’s search for only its fourth head coach in three decades is officially underway.
