NFL’s Black Monday did not, in fact, have the most shocking dismissal of all.
John Harbaugh is out as the Ravens’ head coach after 18 seasons, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that a big sticking point ultimately factored into the seismic move.
Per Russini, Harbaugh did not “entertain any conversations about potentially moving on from offensive coordinator Todd Monken” and that idea emerged as a “pressure point.”
In what was an up-and-down Ravens season that saw Baltimore miss the playoffs on a last-second field goal in Week 18 against the AFC North champion Steelers, the offense still ranked 11th in the league in both scoring (24.9 points per game) and yards (332.2 per game).
Lamar Jackson, who dealt with injuries, threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 13 contests, though he was significantly less dynamic on the ground with a career-low 349 rushing yards.
Ultimately, though, the Ravens moved on from Harbaugh after nearly two full decades at the helm that included multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl win in 2013.
The decision came quickly, with Harbaugh not even getting a chance to inform his staff or players before his departure, per The Athletic.
Owner Steve Biscotti said the team is “forever grateful” for Harbaugh’s contributions to the team.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach,” the Ravens boss said. “Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity.”
Harbaugh expressed similar sentiments in a statement of his own.
“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today,” Harbaugh said. “It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION Gratitude to the owner and organization who was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark with Special Teams success. A difficult thing to do .. and Appreciation for all the moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity.
“I hope a legacy built on Faith, always Fighting, always Believing.”
Harbaugh immediately becomes the top head coaching candidate available this cycle, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that he is expected to be the favorite to land the Giants’ job.
