John Harbaugh was fired by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons as head coach following Sunday’s season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a dramatic 26-24 loss, in which kicker Tyler Loop missed the final 44-yard field goal, the Steelers clinched the AFC North title and their last remaining playoff berth at the expense of their fierce rival.
This was the Ravens’ first playoff absence since 2021 and the sixth and final playoff appearance of Harbaugh’s tenure, with Baltimore’s 8-9 record ultimately costing Harbaugh his job.
“Well, I was hoping someday for a different kind of message on my last day here, and today that day has arrived,” Harbaugh said in a statement.
“There’s definitely some disappointment, but even more gratitude and gratitude to the owners and organization for being willing to bring in a head coach known for his special teams success, which is difficult to do…and gratitude for all the moments over the years that have been etched forever.”
Harbaugh took the reins in 2008 and led the Ravens to glory in Super Bowl 47 in 2012 and three AFC Championship Games.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision given the extraordinary 18 years we have spent together and the deep respect we have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity,” said owner Steve Bisciotti.
“Throughout my Hall of Fame coaching career, John brought Super Bowl championships to Baltimore and served as an unwavering pillar of humility and leadership.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Week 18 game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers of the 2025 NFL season.
Ravens leadership elected to fire Harbaugh after a disappointing campaign defined by repeated fourth-quarter collapses.
An early-season injury to star QB Lamar Jackson led to a 1-5 start in 2025, but Harbaugh ultimately led Baltimore back into championship contention and into Sunday’s winner-take-all showdown with Pittsburgh.
The Ravens entered the game as favorites, but despite Derrick Henry’s early ground dominance and Jackson’s sensational fourth quarter, the season ended in another insufferable fashion.
Watch every moment of the NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl I in Santa Clara, California live on Sky Sports NFL.
