The NFL coaching carousel took a crazy turn on Tuesday when the Ravens fired John Harbaugh. With Harbaugh gone, who should be the Ravens’ next head coach?
Ravens Fire John Harbaugh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 6, 2026
After 18 seasons, the Ravens and Harbaugh have parted ways.
“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,” owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. “Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership. He and his family have deeply embedded themselves in this community. For these profound contributions, on and off the field, we should all be forever grateful.”
Harbaugh’s firing comes two days after the Ravens were eliminated from postseason contention with a loss to the Steelers.
Harbaugh finishes his tenure in Baltimore as the franchise’s winningest coach, with a record of 180-113. Harbaugh made the postseason 12 times in 18 seasons, culminating with a victory in Super Bowl XLVII.
Harbaugh won an NFL record eight road playoff games as the coach of the Ravens.
The second half of Harbaugh’s tenure was met with disappointment, as the Ravens failed to reach the Super Bowl despite having a talented roster and a multi-time MVP in Lamar Jackson.
2025 marked the third losing season under Harbaugh.
Harbaugh is now the top candidate in the NFL’s coaching market. Conversely, the Baltimore Ravens are now the premier job opening in the NFL.
Ravens’ Next Head Coach Options
In the first 45 minutes after John Harbaugh was fired this afternoon, his agent Bryan Harlan said he received calls from seven NFL teams expressing interest in his client.
There currently are seven NFL head coach openings, including Baltimore’s. pic.twitter.com/ey5vYsLcrZ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2026
Brian Flores
The Ravens used to have tough, hard-nosed defenses.
That’s no longer the case, as the Ravens ranked 18th in scoring defense (23.4 points per game), 24th in total defense (354.5 yards per game), and 30th in pass defense (247.9 yards per game).
If the Ravens want a defensive head coach, Brian Flores could be the right pick for the job.
Flores has transformed the Vikings into the third-ranked defense in the league. Flores is also a free agent and open to another head coaching opportunity.
Todd Monken
It’s unlikely to happen, but the Ravens could promote offensive coordinator Todd Monken to head coach.
Despite complaints of underutilizing Derrick Henry in big spots, the Ravens’ offense was not the problem this year.
Jackson won his second MVP under Monken’s guidance. Baltimore should certainly look at retaining Monken.
Jesse Minter
The Ravens took a chance on Harbaugh, a first-time head coach, in 2008. History could repeat itself if the Ravens hire Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as the next head coach.
Minter worked under Harbaugh as a defensive assistant from 2017 to 2020. Minter is now the defensive coordinator for John’s brother, Jim.
Minter is one of the hottest young coaches on the market. Would the Ravens be willing to name the 42-year-old as their next head coach?
