The Baltimore Ravens have fired the head coach, John Harbaugh, after missing the playoff spot. It was his 18th season with the team, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero reported this on Tuesday.
The Ravens announced the dismissal in a statement from the owner.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach. 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.”
“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.”
Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have been one of the most successful teams in the league. However, on the heels of an 8-9 season, the management has recognized a need for a change.
Here is what Harbaugh said.
“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.”
Baltimore was one of the Super Bowl contenders this season who faltered. They started with 1-5 and were unable to start well as star quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in week 4 and missed three games.
After that, they won five consecutive games and then came the week 7 bye. With this, they came back above .500. It can be attributed to the culture Harbough instilled in the team. However, there were consecutive losses after that.
Here is what Biscioti said.
“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. 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. …
“We now begin the challenging, but exciting, process of identifying the next leader of our football team. 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.”