John Harbaugh is “at peace” with the Ravens’ decision to part ways with him as head coach after nearly two decades at the helm.
That’s according to an ESPN report Tuesday following Baltimore’s seismic shakeup, which has the AFC powerhouse now searching for its fourth head coach in franchise history.
“I spoke to someone close to John Harbaugh just minutes ago, he said that John is at peace with this decision,” Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley said. “John believes this is best for both parties, and that it was time for a reset, including [quarterback] Lamar Jackson.”
The Ravens announced Harbaugh’s dismissal Tuesday after 18 seasons, which ended in a heartbreaking 26-24 loss to the AFC North rival Steelers on Sunday.
Baltimore ended the season at 8-9, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
“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,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a 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 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.”
Harbaugh, winner of Super Bowl 2012 over his younger brother, Jim Harbaugh, and the 49ers, expressed “gratitude and appreciation” in his exit remarks.
“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today,” he began. “It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION.”
Harbaugh finished his time in Baltimore with a 180-113 record and a 13-11 postseason mark.
He now emerges as the hottest candidate of this year’s head coaching cycle, with the Giants among the teams interested.
Less than an hour after Harbaugh’s firing, seven teams reached out about the esteemed coach’s availability, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
In addition to the Giants and Ravens, the Browns, Falcons, Cardinals, Titans and Raiders are the other organizations with openings.
The seventh team that expressed interest is unclear.
