John Harbaugh

Jeremy Fowler, citing sources, reports that former Ravens HC John Harbaugh was in touch with members of his staff throughout the day on Tuesday about potentially being fired.
According to Fowler, the impression of talks between staff members and Harbaugh was that the coach “had a say” in the decision to leave Baltimore.
Dianna Russini reports that a few teams with head coaches currently under contract have made calls to express interest in Harbaugh.
Jordan Schultz writes that teams with head coaches will want assurance that Harbaugh will sign with them before firing their current coach.

Ravens

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec said the Ravens’ decision to fire HC John Harbaugh developed quickly and somewhat unexpectedly on Tuesday following discussions about the direction of his staff. Zrebiec says as of mid-day, sources thought Harbaugh was going to be back with the team in 2026. When the team decided to fire Harbaugh, it didn’t have a statement ready to go.
Zrebiec also points out it was not a mutual parting of ways, and that the organization, specifically owner Steve Bisciotti, made the decision to let Harbaugh go.
One of the reasons the Ravens felt it was time to move on, per Zrebiec, was the trend of underperforming which crescendoed with the 1-5 start this year. Zrebiec adds things had also become awkward between Harbaugh, QB Lamar Jackson and OC Todd Monken, with Harbaugh serving as a bit of a buffer between Jackson and Monken.
Zrebiec noted there was more grumbling in the locker room about the coaching staff than usual this year.
Both Zrebiec and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport were reluctant to say that the Ravens chose Jackson over Harbaugh. However, they both made it pretty clear that getting more out of Jackson will be one of Bisciotti’s top concerns when hiring Harbaugh’s replacement.
NFL reporter Gary Myers says the front office tried to talk Bisciotti out of moving on from Harbaugh. He also has heard the problem was between Jackson and Monken, not Jackson and Harbaugh.
As far as candidates to replace Harbaugh, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler joins several reports in highlighting Chargers DC Jesse Minter, a former Harbaugh assistant who’s viewed as a creative defensive mind and a conscientious coach capable of connecting with Jackson.

Steelers

Steelers TE Mike Tomlin said that their investment in QB Aaron Rodgers has paid off after they secured another playoff berth.

“This was the vision in the spring when we pursued him,” Tomlin said, via Around The NFL. “That’s why you do business with a 42-year-old guy, been-there, done-that guy with a résumé like his. He’s not only capable; he thrives in it. I think he put that on display tonight.”

Steelers LB T.J. Watt said Rodgers is exactly who the team needs to lead the offense, especially when they’re down and need a score.

“You see the ball in the hands of [No.] 8 there,” Watt said. “It’s like, [Rodgers] is here for a reason. This is why he’s here. This is the best dude in the NFL for this moment. And to be able to see him deliver on a big stage like that was incredible to see.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes there’s no firm evidence Tomlin will leave the team after the season. However, he cites a source close to Tomlin who believes stepping away is at least a possibility, with Tomlin more likely to do a stint on TV rather than hop straight to another coaching job. They also wonder what Tomlin has left to chase as a coach with all of his accomplishments.
Fowler refers to a separate source who remains confident that Tomlin will stay with the Steelers.
Tomlin on the firing of Ravens HC John Harbaugh: “First, I just have so much respect for Harbs. Our stories will forever be interwoven. This rivalry that we’ve been fortunate and honored enough to be a part of, I’ve just got so much respect for him and how he’s gone about his business. We’ve certainly had some legendary battles over the years. In terms of him being let go, I just think it’s a component of today’s sports culture. There have been many examples of that. It’s unfortunate, but I’m sure that he is going to move on and if he chooses to coach again, I’m sure he will and I’m sure he’ll be very successful at doing so.” (Mink)

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