When news broke on Tuesday afternoon that the Baltimore Ravens had fired Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons with the organization, the NFL world’s reaction was stunning.
Probably not many people saw Harbaugh as a potential coach to lose his job. However, that’s exactly what took place, leaving many questions unanswered.
What Did the NFL World Say About Ravens Firing John Harbaugh?
“Locked on Ravens” podcaster Kevin Oestreicher believes that the Ravens made the right move in moving along from Harbaugh.
“Firing John Harbaugh was absolutely the right move for the Ravens,” Oestreicher wrote in a post on X. “Put together an incredible 18 seasons in Baltimore all things considered, but it was time for him to go … A new era begins”.
Firing John Harbaugh was absolutely the right move for the Ravens. Put together an incredible 18 seasons in Baltimore all things considered, but it was time for him to go
A new era begins pic.twitter.com/KXX4TUkSGk
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 6, 2026
Steelers Depot, a blog dedicated to Pittsburgh Steelers news, posted on X that “Mike Tomlin ended the time of John Harbaugh in Baltimore.”
PFSN Analyst Jason Katz wrote just two days ago that “John Harbaugh is a great coach, but it’s time for a change. A season does not come down to one singular play…or kick. But too many times this season, Katz says that Harbaugh has made conservative decisions that cost his team. He did it twice against the Steelers in Week 18.”
MORE: John Harbaugh Replacements: 5 Coaches Ravens Should Target After Firing Super Bowl Champion HC
Mike Silver, national columnist for The Athletic, offered his thoughts on Harbaugh’s firing, too. “There are seven openings,” Silver wrote. “All six teams (besides the Ravens) could presumably have interest in Harbaugh. There may also be teams who don’t have vacancies that try to get into the mix. Stay tuned.”
Sam Block of ESPN stated in a post that he thought the firing was “ridiculous.”
“John Harbaugh is a Top 5 NFL HC. John Harbaugh is elite with players,” Block wrote. “John Harbaugh is elite with fans. John Harbaugh is elite off the field. John Harbaugh is a Baltimore legend. John Harbaugh is a Super Bowl Champ. The Ravens firing him is ridiculous.”
PFSN’s CEO, Matt Cannata, shared his thoughts that Harbaugh going to any team with a head coach opening at this time makes sense.
John Harbaugh to any team makes sense because he’s John Harbaugh.
John Harbaugh to any team doesn’t make sense because you have to wonder if he’s still motivated enough to go all out to win a Super Bowl.
— Matt Cannata (@CannataPFSN) January 6, 2026
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter posted on X that he believes some NFL teams will shift their coaching searches due to this situation with Harbaugh.
“Multiple teams with head coach openings now will readjust their boards, and are expected to pursue the newest head coaching free agent, John Harbaugh,” Schefter wrote.
“Locked on Cowboys” host Marcus Mosher doesn’t think Harbaugh is a good candidate for another NFL job. Mosher posted on X, “Don’t believe anyone who says Harbaugh is the top coach on the market. They aren’t watching. This isn’t 2012.”
ESPN NFL Analyst Benjamin Solak added his two cents and wrote, “Mike McDaniel should politely step down from the Dolphins job immediately and get on the first plane to Baltimore”.
Well, it looks like the NFL coaching carousel just earned a brand-new hot name on it as Harbaugh is a free agent.
