John Harbaugh’s Ravens Exit Not Tied to Reported Locker Room Rift, Says Adam Schefter

John Harbaugh is now the top candidate for every open head coaching job after being fired by the Baltimore Ravens.

John Harbaugh’s Ravens Exit Not Tied to Reported Locker Room Rift, Says Adam Schefter

Former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (Image via Around the NFL/X)

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Football fans are still trying to get to grips with the news that John Harbaugh is no longer the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens after posting his first losing season in 4 years.

The fact that a missed kick ended a campaign that was riddled with injuries was too trivial a reason to let go of a team leader who has otherwise brought nothing but success to the organization.

As details started to come out about a potential difference of opinion between Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the QB was not the only one to voice their frustrations.

He claimed that multiple members of the Ravens’ offense were not happy and wanted a change. However, Harbaugh stood by Monken, which the franchise’s top brass was not willing to abide by.

I don’t think that information right there could be any less true. The players were coming to his office crying, hugging him, sending him goodbyes, calling him one by one… I’m not buying that.

Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show

This was ESPN’s lead NFL insider, Adam Schefter, whose claims directly refute what Rapoport reported. He added that top players such as Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and many others were in John Harbaugh’s office, crying and hugging him goodbye.

Former Ravens offensive lineman A. Q. Shipley chipped in on the show, claiming the 63-year-old coach was the best he had ever played under, and attested to how he runs the show.

Mike Tomlin reacts to John Harbaugh’s dismissal

With John Harbaugh’s dismissal, his rivalry and friendship with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, spanning 18 years, comes to an end.

John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin
John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin (Image via Ian O’Connor/X)

I just have so much respect for Harbs. Our stories will forever be interwoven… In terms of him being let go, unfortunately, I just think it’s a component of today’s sports culture.

Mike Tomlin said on the Rich Eisen Show

The 53-year-old believes those times when a coach with a winning pedigree could hold on to a job for a long time are over. Now, the entertainment factor has pushed organizations into making rash decisions.

As someone who continues to be the longest-tenured coach with a single team, Tomlin knows that patience is no longer a factor when it comes to pro sports.

Otherwise, someone as accomplished as John Harbaugh would not be without a job. At the same time, the Steelers head coach believes that his former counterpart would be successful should he choose to continue coaching elsewhere.

John Harbaugh has 9 suitors lined up

Hours after John Harbaugh was fired, reports came out that quite a few teams had reached out to his representatives about interviews for their open head coaching positions.

At the time, it was believed that one team with an existing HC was also looking at hosting an interview. Now, as per several reports, the total number of interview requests has ballooned to nine.

If one were to omit the six teams that have vacant offices, that indicates that three teams with existing head coaches are hoping to at least get a chance at speaking with Harbaugh.

Josina Anderson confirmed that the Miami Dolphins have been in touch with the former Ravens head coach. This means current shot caller Mike McDaniel is seemingly on the hot seat.

Considering how the ownership confirmed he stays as their head coach, it seems John Harbaugh’s dismissal has changed the league’s landscape.

Even if he takes his time to go over every opportunity, it seems teams will have to wait until he decides what he wants to do next before the rest of the dominoes fall.

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