As the 2025 Baltimore Ravens head into a crucial Week 18 showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the focus isn’t just on the AFC North title. It is also on John Harbaugh’s job security. After 18 seasons in Baltimore, Harbaugh has been one of the most consistent coaches in the NFL, but this year’s disappointing campaign has sparked real questions about whether his tenure could be nearing an end.
John Harbaugh, Ravens Face Tough Crossroads In Week 18
And if the Ravens lose on Sunday and fail to make the playoffs, the questions could become a reality.
Baltimore’s season has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. The Ravens sit at 8-8, a far cry from the Super Bowl contender many expected entering the year, and are currently chasing Pittsburgh for the AFC North title. Complicating matters, star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s availability for Week 18 remains uncertain due to a back contusion suffered in Week 16, and Harbaugh has labeled his status “to be determined.”
With Jackson’s health in question, backup Tyler Huntley stepped in and kept Baltimore’s hopes alive with a 41-24 win over the Packers, but the Ravens’ path to the playoffs remains narrow.
Amid the on-field struggles, external noise about Harbaugh’s future has noticeably increased. Harbaugh, who signed a three-year extension earlier in 2025, has publicly downplayed concerns about his job security, emphasizing his focus on doing the job rather than trying to “keep the job.” “My focus has been for the last 18 years… to try to do the best job I can today,” he said.
Still, sources and analysts acknowledge that this season’s struggles could prompt Ravens leadership to evaluate the future direction of the franchise. Some reports suggest executives still view Harbaugh as a top NFL coach, but are weighing whether a change might be warranted after this year’s results.
What Would Be The Next Step For Harbaugh?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The Ravens control their playoff fate only by winning out and taking down the Steelers in Week 18, a matchup that will decide the AFC North champion and likely determine whether Harbaugh returns in 2026.
Adam Schefter suggests Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh could take TV job after Week 18 loss https://t.co/Phvsp8KI6k pic.twitter.com/0dHPfNBAWF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 29, 2025
On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter went as far as saying that a job in broadcasting could be the next career step if John Harbaugh and the Ravens part ways.
As of Monday afternoon, the Ravens were listed as 3.5-point favorites for Sunday’s game, despite the unknown status of their quarterback.
