Following his unexpected dismissal from the Baltimore Ravens this week, several NFL teams have contacted John Harbaugh to conduct interviews and finalize a deal for the 2026 season. No franchise is showing more interest at this point than the Cleveland Browns.
Agent Bryan Harlan stated that the 63-year-old coach’s future will be resolved soon, with seven teams contacting him within 45 minutes. However, a list of demands revealed on Friday shows that any franchise seeking Harbaugh as its head coach will need to meet several requirements.
John Harbaugh’s Four Non-Negotiable Conditions To Sign With a New Team
According to ESPN’s Tony Grossi, four conditions are non-negotiable for Harbaugh in negotiations with franchises: $20 million per year, a $10 million budget for the coaching staff, complete authority over the roster, and the freedom to choose his own general manager.
His annual salary before leaving the Ravens was $17 million, but the Baltimore franchise now owes approximately $34 million after his dismissal. Additionally, local reports indicate that Harbaugh will not begin any interviews until next week.
It is also believed that Harbaugh (the childhood team of the head coach, who was born in Ohio) is very interested in taking over Kevin Stefanski’s position in Cleveland.
.@TonyGrossi has found out what John Harbaugh’s requirements are to be interested in his next HC job:
– $20 million per year
– $10 million staff budget
– Total authority over the roster
– Would like to select his own GMWould you do this if you’re the Browns? pic.twitter.com/fvswssVSjF
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 9, 2026
The Browns are expected to see significant changes on offense and face uncertainty at the quarterback position. Shedeur Sanders finished the regular season as the starter for the Browns, but his hold on the starting job for 2026 remains uncertain, given his rookie status and recent performance.
Another franchise being considered a strong candidate alongside the Browns is the New York Giants, who opted to fire Brian Daboll and not renew Mike Kafka’s contract.
Harbaugh Tried To Bring Sanders to the Ravens
Additionally, it is worth noting that Harbaugh and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken initially wanted to select Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Still, the rookie reportedly told Baltimore’s front office that he did not wish to be Lamar Jackson’s backup, opting instead for a franchise where he could have a chance to become the starter more quickly.
Sanders started seven games for the Browns, who rank No. 32 in the PFSN Offense Impact metric with an F grade, and made a positive impression at specific times, but his performance was inconsistent. The franchise viewed this as normal rookie development, yet it was not enough to definitively secure him as their starting QB moving into the 2026 season.
While waiting for the opportunity to interview Harbaugh, the Browns are already moving forward with other candidates for key positions. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who were runner-ups in the race for the North Carolina coaching job last season, have been interviewed in recent hours.
Andrew Berry and Jimmy Haslam will interview other candidates in the coming days, but the Browns’ owner has long been an admirer of the former Ravens HC.
