John Harbaugh Fired After 18 Years. Could He Go to the Giants?
John Harbaugh was fired as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens after 18 years and a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The loss to the Steelers came after rookie Tyler Loop's missed field goal. The Ravens' owner Steve Bisciotti confirmed on January 6 that Harbaugh has now lost his job. He had a contract through 2028, ESPN confirmed.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach," Bisciotti wrote in a statement on X. "Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties. This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity."
John Harbaugh Is Expected to Attract Interest From Top NFL Teams, Including the Giants
It's expected that Harbaugh will be in demand as other NFL teams seek a head coach.
According to ESPN, Harbaugh is now "expected to emerge as a favorite for the vacant job with the Giants," although there are seven NFL teams currently lacking a head coach.
"Sources: John Harbaugh is expected to emerge as a favorite for the head coaching job of the New York Giants. Harbaugh will be in demand for many teams, not just the Giants," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on X.
(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
John Harbaugh's brother, Jim Harbaugh, coaches the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Ravens also released a lengthy statement from John Harbaugh. "Well I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today,” Harbaugh wrote. “It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with gratitude and appreciation."
The Baltimore Ravens' Owner Praised John Harbaugh
Bisciotti praised Harbaugh in his statement.
"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," he wrote. "He and his family have deeply embedded themselves in this community. For these profound contributions, on and off the field, we should all be forever grateful."
But Bisciotti said there was more to it.
"Our goal has always been and will always be to win Championships. We strive to consistently perform at the highest level on the field and be a team and organization our fans take pride in," he added. "I will always be grateful for the extraordinary hard work and dedication displayed by John and his staff throughout the many successful years. I wish he, Ingrid and Alison all the best going forward."
Ingrid is John Harbaugh's wife, and Alison is his daughter.
Concluded Bisciotti: "We fully understand the expectations of our fans and everyone in the Ravens organization. Finding another strong leader and partner who will reflect these high standards is paramount. We deeply appreciate our fans and will continue to work relentlessly to bring them, our city and the extended community the success they deserve."