Rob Gronkowski recently chimed in on one of the biggest topics around the NFL following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. The Baltimore Ravens fired long-time head coach John Harbaugh after failing to make it to the playoffs this year. The legendary tight end made his pick for who he thinks the best replacement is.
Rob Gronkowski Suggests Chiefs’ Standout Coach As John Harbaugh Replacement
Harbaugh is expected to be one of the most popular names to fill several head coach vacancies during the 2026 NFL offseason, but the Ravens will need a replacement of their own. It should be a desirable job with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and a team with Super Bowl expectations, despite missing the playoffs this year.
Gronkowski recently made an appearance on an “Up & Adams” episode to discuss the situation in Baltimore. He was asked about several of the top potential candidates and made his suggestion for what he believes to be the best fit.
“Steve Spagnuolo, I think, is the best candidate, definitely. I mean, he was a head coach prior, years ago with the Rams, and I’m sure he’s learned a lot from it. And now, what he has done with the Kansas City Chiefs defense for about a decade now, the Chiefs weren’t really known for their defense, but he took them to another level.
“I think that he would be one of the most qualified to go to Baltimore, and Baltimore is not an easy place to coach,” stated Gronkowski.
Gronkowski made it clear that he thinks they should target one of the candidates who has prior head coaching experience, so Spagnuolo fits his requirement. His resume stands out with four Super Bowl rings (one with the Giants and three with the Chiefs). Gronkowski was also impressed by the success Spagnuolo had as the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator under head coach Andy Reid.
Their unit has finished among the top 15 overall defenses in PFSN’s Impact Rankings for each of the past four seasons. While their offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, receives most of the credit for their dynastic Super Bowl run in recent years, their defense has surely been a major factor in their sustained success.
All of this contributes to Gronkowski suggesting Spagnuolo for the Ravens’ vacancy ahead of the 2026 NFL season. They entered this year as one of the favorites to compete for a ring, and despite their massively disappointing result of missing the playoffs this year, they should be contenders again with the right head coach next season.
Is Isaiah likely going to the giants with star head coach, John Harbaugh