John Harbaugh’s tenure as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens has come to an end after an 18-year run, according to a source familiar with the situation. The announcement is yet to be made by the Ravens, but the decision follows a disappointing season where the team finished with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs after entering the season as one of the favorites for the Super Bowl.
The Ravens’ season concluded on Sunday night when kicker Tyler Loop missed a last-second field goal in a crucial game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This loss resulted in a 26-24 defeat, which ultimately decided the AFC North title. Harbaugh leaves the organization with a record of 193 wins and 124 losses, including postseason games.
Harbaugh’s Legacy with the Ravens
During his time with the Ravens, Harbaugh led the team to significant achievements, including a memorable Super Bowl victory in 2012. Under his leadership, the Ravens reached the AFC Championship game on three additional occasions. This season marked only the sixth time the team has missed the playoffs since he took over, matching the number of times they won the AFC North under his guidance.
Most of Baltimore’s postseason success occurred early in Harbaugh’s career. He achieved a commendable 9-4 record in the playoffs during his first five years as coach. However, the team’s playoff success dwindled in later seasons, with Harbaugh recording a 4-7 record in the postseason after the initial Super Bowl win.
The arrival of quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2018 revitalized the team, leading them to a division title. Nonetheless, Harbaugh’s only trip to the AFC Championship game with Jackson resulted in a loss at home to the Kansas City Chiefs two seasons ago.
A Season of Struggles
This past season was fraught with challenges from the outset. The Ravens displayed promise in their opening game against the Buffalo Bills but ultimately squandered a late lead. A troubling trend of losing fourth-quarter advantages emerged during Harbaugh’s final seasons, compounded by Jackson’s hamstring injury, which contributed to a dismal 1-5 start in 2025.
Despite these setbacks, Harbaugh and the Ravens managed to regain their footing and contended for a playoff spot, culminating in a decisive match against the Steelers. Despite a strong performance from running back Derrick Henry and an impressive fourth-quarter effort from Jackson, the Ravens faced yet another heartbreaking end to their season.
As Harbaugh departs, the Ravens now face the task of finding a successor who can build on his legacy while addressing the team’s recent struggles. The transition marks a significant moment for the franchise as it looks to re-establish itself as a contender in the coming seasons.
