After the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh following 18 seasons with the organization, many wondered whether 2-time MVP and franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson had any impact on the decision.
On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz finally revealed the answer to that question.
Lamar Jackson’s Role in John Harbaugh’s Firing Comes to Light
During his Thursday radio show, Schultz discussed Jackson’s absence from OTAs and what it could mean for the team moving forward. Schultz described Jackson as “integral to the organization,” adding, “When you consider that in many ways, they chose Lamar over John Harbaugh.”
Veering off topic, the insider quickly pulled back, noting that the firing was not a “direct correlation,” though Schultz ultimately closed by revealing Jackson and Harbaugh “had some issues.”
“They have had talks, my understanding is that those talks have gone relatively well…”@Schultz_Report on the contract situation with QB Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.
📻 https://t.co/v3G0iz5IH6#Ravens | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/Xsj4hP8yLh
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) May 21, 2026
Expect the two sides to reach a deal before the 2026 season as the Ravens prioritize having their MVP-level quarterback on the playing field.
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Revisiting the Lamar Jackson-John Harbaugh Era in Baltimore
Although their tenure together ended on a rather sour note and ultimately without a Super Bowl ring, Jackson and Harbaugh were a very successful quarterback-head coach duo across eight seasons.
In 107 starts by Jackson, the Ravens posted a 76-31 overall record. The eight-year stretch also included four division titles and six playoff appearances. Unfortunately, the team secured just three postseason wins against five losses, which some have blamed on Jackson, while others believe the supporting cast and coaching staff were at fault.
Regardless, after eight seasons in which Jackson and the Ravens failed to reach the Super Bowl, something needed to change, and, as Schultz mentioned, Harbaugh was the odd man out.
In 2026, Jackson will play under a new head coach for the first time in his career. Former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has taken the reins, while young offensive mind Declan Doyle will lead the offense. A fresh start could be exactly what Baltimore needs as the organization looks to return to contention this season.
Meanwhile, Harbaugh joins a young Giants team led by second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. The young improviser shares several similarities with Jackson as both a runner and passer, and Harbaugh will look to maximize his potential as the Giants compete for their first division title in over a decade.
