John Harbaugh sends bittersweet goodbye to Ravens after firing

Jan 6, 2026 - 23:30

After coming up a field goal short of punching his ticket to the fourth seed in the AFC, John Harbaugh finds himself without a head coaching gig for the first time since 2008, having been fired by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons.

As news spread over social media, with some fans celebrating the move, others in shock, and others still falling somewhere in between, Harbaugh was afforded a chance to summarize almost two decades in the Charm City trenches and expressed his gratitude for everyone who made his journey so meaningful.

Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today. It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION.
Gratitude to the owner and organization who was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark with Special Teams success. A difficult thing to do… and Appreciation for all the moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity. I hope a legacy built on Faith, always Fighting, always Believing.
Values built into an Organization, through a Team, that are Worthwhile, Good and Lasting and that are admired by fans and foes alike.
Meaningful & Impactful Relationships with Players through the years that I will cherish always. Grateful for their Strength and Courage.
Loyal partnerships in this wonderful building, that grew into strong friendships, through the toil and tempest of the job every day.
Mostly to my treasured Family, my Ingrid and my Alison, who are beyond compare in every way and the Loves of my life, and my close-knit family and good friends who stick with you no matter what.
Finally, to the author and finisher of our faith, Gratitude for a Journey beyond anything I could have dreamed of on my own – All is well with my soul because of the Good God who guides and sustains me.

– JOHN HARBAUGH

Initially landing in Baltimore after two decades as an assistant coach, largely coordinating special teams before a single season coaching defensive backs with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007, Harbaugh became the most successful head coach in Ravens history, winning 180 games, an NFL record eight road playoff wins, Coach of the Year, and a Super Bowl in 2012 against his brother Jim. While things weren’t quite as successful over the past few years, especially in 2025, Harbaugh’s legacy in Baltimore will remain the benchmark by which all other coaches are measured in Charm City, and has him in high demand heading into 2026.