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Baltimore Ravens extend John Harbaugh through 2019

By Joe Schiller

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the New York Giants during the first half of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 16, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the New York Giants during the first half of the game at MetLife Stadium on October 16, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens have extended the contract of head coach John Harbaugh through the 2019 season.

After missing the playoffs three out of the last four years, John Harbaugh has been talked about as a coach on the hot seat. Those thoughts are put in the back burner for now.

The team announced today that Harbaugh’s contract has been extended through the 2019 season. His contract originally extended through the 2018 season.

Just because Harbaugh’s contract is extended doesn’t mean his job is safe. As we know, coaches can be fired at any time. But, this move shows the confidence Steve Bisciotti and the front office have in their head coach, and for good reason.

The Ravens hired John Harbaugh before the 2008 season after firing Brian Billick. Harbaugh came in with no head coaching experience, but excelled right away. In his first season he took the Ravens to the AFC Championship with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. Since being hired, the Ravens have posted a 85-59 record with a 10-5 record in the playoffs. This also includes a Super Bowl win in 2012.

The move to extend Harbaugh shouldn’t come as a surprise. As much as fans call for coaches to be fired, good ones come a dime a dozen. The Ravens have been lucky to have the consistency at the position. Other teams struggle to find new head coaches every two to three years.

A lot of the criticism with Harbaugh has come in recent years. After posting five straight winning seasons, the Ravens have only had a winning record once in the past four years. Twice they’ve gone 8-8, including last season. The 2015 season was a fluke because of all the injuries, but the other two 8-8 seasons were disappointing. Both times the Ravens had enough talent to make the playoffs, but came up short.

Harbaugh’s loyalty to his coordinators has been his major criticism. Many were shocked when the team decided to bring back all three coordinators from last season. When asked about the move Harbaugh said, “My heart and my head and my gut say that this is the best way to go,’ and that’s what we’ve decided to do.”

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Safe or cut? Breaking down roster bubble players

Love it or hate, you don’t really have much of a choice. John Harbaugh is set to be the head coach for at least the next three seasons.

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