John Harbaugh's 18-Season Reign as Ravens Head Coach Ends in a Phone Call Firing
John Harbaugh, the NFL's second-longest tenured head coach, was abruptly fired by the Baltimore Ravens after an 18-season run. Despite a stellar 180-113 regular season record and a 13-11 postseason mark, including a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2012, Harbaugh's tenure ended on a sour note. The 2025 season, marked by an 8-9 record and a missed playoff appearance, seemingly led to his dismissal.
According to NFL reporters Dianna Russini and Jeff Zrebiec, Harbaugh was fired over the phone by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, a surprising and unprofessional way to end a nearly two-decade-long partnership. The firing was not a mutual decision or a resignation, but a direct dismissal, with Bisciotti wanting to provide further explanation after initial emotions had settled.
The notion that Harbaugh had lost the locker room is disputed, with sources calling it 'B.S.' One source noted that it's challenging to please a large group of players, and losses magnify everything. Despite this, Harbaugh's coaching prowess is expected to attract significant interest in the current coaching cycle.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that Harbaugh will begin coaching interviews next week, with the Dolphins expressing interest in him. Harbaugh's brother, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, confidently predicts his brother's return to head coaching next year, suggesting a swift transition to a new role.
