Giants HC John Harbaugh gives advice to graduates related to firing from Ravens

One of the biggest NFL-related surprises of January 2026 involved Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti firing head coach John Harbaugh not long after the Ravens suffered a 26-24 Week 18 loss to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers that kept Baltimore out of the playoffs and resulted in the Ravens finishing the season with a record of 8-9.

While serving as the commencement speaker at Miami University's graduation over the weekend, Harbaugh offered advice to young adults who may experience setbacks at different stages of their careers. 

John Harbaugh knows that "tough times" show up for everybody

"There's going to be tough times," Harbaugh explained, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. "They're going to show up, too. You might get a call with some bad news. Maybe about your job. Maybe they'll tell you they don't want you anymore. Time to move on." 

Harbaugh had been Baltimore's head coach since January 2008, and he led the team to a Super Bowl title in February 2013. More recently, Ravens star quarterback and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson accumulated a postseason record as a starter of 3-5 under Harbaugh. Together, the two guided the Ravens to just one AFC Championship Game appearance and no Super Bowl trips before Bisciotti made the change. 

The perception now exists that Harbaugh and not general manager Joe Schoen is truly running the Giants' football operations. It remains unclear if Schoen will hold onto his job through the start of the 2026 season. 

John Harbaugh found "resilience" amid difficult times

"It happens," Harbaugh added about going through difficult times. "In those moments, I hope you'll find resilience. And you'll be able to rejoice in all the good you'll still have. And all the people who still care for you. That you'll come to understand that there is a great opportunity on the next horizon of your life. And you can still walk together into every uncertain future with the people you love."

Some members of the NFL community believe Harbaugh's resilience will help him lead the Giants to at least a playoff berth in his first season with the club. One wonders if such a development would result in Bisciotti regretting the decision he made back in January.