Ravens ownership reportedly questioned this before firing John Harbaugh

The most stunning NFL-related event of the first half of January 2026 involved Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh after the club failed to qualify for the playoffs and finished the season with a record of 8-9.

For an article published on Monday morning, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed that Ravens ownership "questioned how well Harbaugh fit with the roster" before last week's decision was made.

How John Harbaugh allegedly lost at least some Ravens players

"For a decade and a half, the team was built in his image," Breer wrote about Harbaugh's working relationship with the Ravens. "He runs a demanding program, and the leaders the team brought in wouldn’t have had it any other way. They were his torchbearers. However, I’m not sure the roster the Ravens have now, still loaded with talent, is quite like that anymore. I heard a story about one prominent veteran who was hesitant to sign an extension because of Harbaugh’s challenging program." 

A previous report said that Harbaugh lost quarterback Lamar Jackson and other Baltimore players at some point before Bisciotti decided to go in a different direction. Nevertheless, multiple Ravens players who spoke on the condition of anonymity later insisted they were stunned that Harbaugh was shown the door. 

Additionally, Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner reported that some Baltimore players viewed offensive coordinator Todd Monken "as increasingly standoffish and unwilling to collaborate with players." According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Harbaugh's refusal to discuss possibly parting ways with Monken was "a key pressure point" that led to Harbaugh's dismissal.

What's next for Ravens after end of John Harbaugh era?

Breer suggested that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak may be the early favorites to replace Harbaugh in Baltimore. According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are among candidates who could soon speak with the Ravens about their opening. 

One wonders if those coaches will be told that they should be willing to embrace a less "demanding program" than what Harbaugh ran whenever the Ravens wrap up their hiring process.