The NFL’s head coaching cycle kicked into high gear when the Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 years together.
- John Harbaugh coaching rumors
- Falcons owner views Harbaugh as a candidate to “spend time with”
- Dolphins have “not engaged” in Harbaugh talks
- Giants “all-in” on hiring Harbaugh
- Dolphins have been “in touch” with Harbaugh
- Teams without head coach vacancies to Harbaugh
- Giants expected to be favorite to land Harbaugh
- Why did Ravens fire John Harbuagh?
- John Harbaugh coaching record
Harbaugh instantly becomes the most accomplished option on the head coach market and is the type of name who would interest teams that haven’t fired their head coaches yet. The veteran coach is one of a few active coaches with a Super Bowl victory and would provide a new team with big-game experience.
While Harbaugh’s tenure with the Ravens ended on a sour note, the veteran coach instantly garnered interest the moment he became available. As a result, Harbaugh will be at the center of many rumors during this year’s head coaching hiring cycle.
Here are the latest rumors on where Harbaugh could go.
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John Harbaugh coaching rumors
Falcons owner views Harbaugh as a candidate to “spend time with”
An article by Myles Simmons of NBC Sports reports that Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, thinks very highly of John Harbaugh. “Well, I mean, John has been one of the most successful coaches in the last 20 years in our league,” Blank said, via transcript from the team. “He has won at every level, and so he would certainly be a candidate we would want to spend some time with.”
Dolphins have “not engaged” in Harbaugh talks
Reports from league sources indicate that, as of the morning of Jan. 9, the Dolphins organization has not participated in any John Harbaugh talks. The plan they put in place started with a decision on Mike McDaniel, followed by hiring a GM and then the coaching hire came last.
Giants “all-in” on hiring Harbaugh
The Giants continue to be linked to Harbaugh and appear likely to be aggressive in pursuing him as their next head coach. Hughes also mentioned the Atlanta Falcons as a team that may show more interest than others.
Dolphins have been “in touch” with Harbaugh
The Dolphins have not yet fired Mike McDaniel, but Harbaugh and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross share a connection through Michigan. McDaniel’s status remains somewhat up in the air despite Miami finishing the season strong.
Teams without head coach vacancies to Harbaugh
Schefter added that at least one team with a head coach already reached out to Harbaugh, with more expected. Harbaugh’s presence on the market is sure to make some teams think about moving on from their current option.
Giants expected to be favorite to land Harbaugh
Of the teams with an active head coach opening, the Giants appear to be the most likely landing spot for the veteran coach. New York has been one of the worst teams in the NFL for the past several years and is looking for some stability at head coach.
Why did Ravens fire John Harbuagh?
According to multiple reports, the Ravens felt it was time for a new voice in the locker room. Harbaugh hadn’t led the Ravens beyond the AFC Championship game in the Lamar Jackson era, and the only time Baltimore made the final four with Jackson resulted in a home loss.
This year, Baltimore missed the playoffs at 8-9, which is tied for the Ravens’ second-worst record since Harbaugh took over in 2008. It was the sixth time that Harbaugh missed the playoffs in 18 years as the Ravens head coach.
During Harbaugh’s tenure, the Ravens had their share of blown leads, which only expanded during the 2025 season. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also reported that Harbaugh was also loyal to his coaching staff, as he pushed back on the Ravens’ suggestion to fire OC Todd Monken.
John Harbaugh coaching record
| Year | Record | Division finish | Playoffs result |
| 2008 | 11-5 | 2nd | L, AFC Championship |
| 2009 | 9-7 | 2nd | L, AFC Divisional Round |
| 2010 | 12-4 | 2nd | L, AFC Divisional Round |
| 2011 | 12-4 | 1st | L, AFC Championship |
| 2012 | 10-6 | 1st | W, Super Bowl |
| 2013 | 8-8 | 3rd | Missed Playoffs |
| 2014 | 10-6 | 3rd | L, Divisional Round |
| 2015 | 5-11 | 3rd | Missed Playoffs |
| 2016 | 8-8 | 2nd | Missed Playoffs |
| 2017 | 9-7 | 2nd | Missed Playoffs |
| 2018 | 10-6 | 1st | L, AFC Wild-Card Round |
| 2019 | 14-2 | 1st | L, AFC Divisional Round |
| 2020 | 11-5 | 2nd | L, AFC Divisional Round |
| 2021 | 8-9 | 4th | Missed Playoffs |
| 2022 | 10-7 | 2nd | L, AFC Wild-Card Round |
| 2023 | 13-4 | 1st | L, AFC Championship |
| 2024 | 12-5 | 1st | L, AFC Divisional Round |
| 2025 | 8-9 | 2nd | Missed Playoffs |
