John Harbaugh’s coaching career took an abrupt turn earlier this month when the Baltimore Ravens ended his 18-year run with the franchise. A few weeks later, he found a new home and became the next head coach of the New York Football Giants. On Tuesday, Harbaugh offered insight into how another longtime NFL coach helped frame that transition.
Andy Reid’s Message Resonated After John Harbaugh’s Ravens Exit
During his introductory press conference with the Giants, Harbaugh revealed a brief but pointed message he received from Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid following his dismissal in Baltimore. The exchange came shortly after the Ravens moved on from Harbaugh, and it left a lasting impression as he navigated the next step of his career.
“From one organization to another and finding that success. And he’s a man of few words, and his four words to me were, ‘Change can be good.’ That’s what he said. ‘Change can be good.’ And he was excited. He’s fired up for us. He’s a good friend,” Harbaugh said. “And yeah, we’ll try to do it. You know what? How about we do this? How about we deal that right now? We’ll sign up for that deal right now, what he did in Kansas City. Let’s do that.”
Reid’s message carried added weight given his own career trajectory. After being fired by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2012 season, Reid was hired by the Chiefs and went on to build one of the most successful runs in modern NFL history. Kansas City has since won three Super Bowls.
“Change can be good.”
That’s what #Chiefs HC Andy Reid, who was once let go by the #Eagles, told John Harbaugh after he was let go by the Ravens.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 20, 2026
Harbaugh’s exit from Baltimore ended the second-longest tenured coach in the NFL. Over 18 seasons, he compiled a 180-113 regular-season record, won Super Bowl XLVII, and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2019. The Ravens’ decision came after the team failed to reach the 2025 postseason, losing a Week 18 game to the Pittsburgh Steelers when rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential game-winning field goal.
Despite the sudden end, Harbaugh quickly emerged as a top target in this year’s coaching cycle. The Giants moved deliberately before finalizing his hire, taking additional time to negotiate contract details before officially introducing him Tuesday. His arrival signals a significant shift for a franchise searching for long-term stability after several turbulent seasons.
The connection between Harbaugh and Reid extends back decades. Both coaches worked together with the Eagles from 1999 through 2007. That shared history helped contextualize Reid’s advice.
Unlike Reid, Harbaugh won a Super Bowl with his first organization. Still, he did not shy away from referencing Reid’s post-firing resurgence. Harbaugh now takes over a roster with significant questions, including the development of quarterback Jaxson Dart and the franchise’s broader direction.
Change, in Harbaugh and Reid’s words, can be good.
