John Harbaugh Stands by 2025 Season as His Finest Despite Ravens Firing Him

John Harbaugh's final year in Baltimore ended on an 8-9 record, only his fourth losing campaign with the Ravens.

John Harbaugh Stands by 2025 Season as His Finest Despite Ravens Firing Him

John Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • John Harbaugh reflects on his final season with the Ravens, calling it his coaching staff's best despite an 8-9 record.
  • The Ravens struggled with injuries, particularly to quarterback Lamar Jackson, impacting their playoff chances.
  • Harbaugh was fired after the season and quickly became the head coach of the New York Giants.

John Harbaugh is standing by his final year with the Baltimore Ravens, which ended with an 8-9 record. Baltimore stood on the cusp of playing postseason football until a major collapse in the deciding game against rivals, the Steelers, took that opportunity away.

With star quarterback Lamar Jackson in rehab for most of the year, the Ravens struggled to stitch together a series of wins. Despite that, Baltimore still could have squeezed in on the last day by defeating the Steelers. A missed kick from the rookie kicker ended their dreams.

Not long after, the Ravens let Harbaugh go. Now with the New York Giants, the 63-year-old coach fondly reflects on his final year in Baltimore.

I took a lot of pride in what we [the Ravens] did [in 2025]. I took a lot of pride in this season. Honestly, as a coaching staff, it might’ve been our best job this year coaching this team. I thought we did a great job. But it wasn’t good enough in terms of getting us where we needed to get, for whatever reason. 

John Harbaugh said while appearing on the Pardon May Take podcast

Since Jackson cemented his role as QB1, the Ravens have consistently been among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and 2025 was no exception. Despite the lofty expectations, the Ravens started the season 1-5 as the team battled key injuries to Jackson and defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike.

Harbaugh turned to the backups until Jackson recovered enough to start once again. The two-time league MVP looked rusty but still managed to deliver a few wins. The win over the Green Bay Packers in week 17 set up a finale against the AFC North table toppers. A victory would have guaranteed a place in the wildcard round. Jackson turned the ball over a couple of times, which included an interception. Eventually, an Aaron Rodgers touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed their fate.

Jackson wrapped up with a QBR of 62.7, the lowest in Todd Monken‘s three years as offensive coordinator. He threw 21 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The hamstring injury clearly impacted Jackson’s game, especially in the running department. He ran for only 349 yards, the first time he’d fallen short of 695 yards in a season.

The defense also took a step back. According to FOX Sports analytics, the Ravens on average conceded 354.5 yards per game, commanded the third-worst passing defense, and allowed 37.8% third-down chances (11th most in the league).

John Harbaugh dismisses the theory that he sounds like Joe Biden

Harbaugh had been on thin ice in Baltimore for quite a while. The constant pressure of winning a second (third for the franchise) ring worsened his relationship with the brass. So, it did not come as a surprise when the Ravens fired Harbaugh right after the regular season concluded.

John Harbaugh Stands by 2025 Season as His Finest Despite Ravens Firing Him joe biden
John Harbaugh (Image via IMAGO)

Owner Steve Bisciotti later made it clear that Harbaugh was already halfway out the door. That said, it did not take the veteran coach to find a new gig. He agreed to coach the New York Giants, and during his first press conference as the new head honcho, he caused quite a stir by sounding a lot like former U.S. President Joe Biden.

I’m not happy with that at all. I mean, I might have had a little sore throat that day. I got a little sore throat today. You know, Joe Biden, really?… Did you guys think I sound like Joe Biden? I’m going to have to dispute that.

Harbaugh told the Barstool Sports crew

Harbaugh agreed to coach the Giants after meeting with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. In his first year with the NFC East franchise, Dart contributed 24 touchdowns and threw for 2272 yards.

The Giants are only the second NFL team on Harbaugh’s head coaching CV. He spent 18 seasons with the Ravens, and won a Super Bowl in 2012.

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