Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: The case for and against firing John Harbaugh

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals 31-27 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 31: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals 31-27 win over the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The case for firing Harbaugh:

The Ravens controlled their own destiny this season and they worked hard to put themselves in that spot. Coming into their finale against the Bengals, the Ravens had won five of their last six games. The only thing the Ravens had to do to make the postseason was beat a six win Bengals team at home. That’s it. The Ravens couldn’t get the job done. For the second straight season the purple and black had an opponent rip away their playoff spot with late game heroics. The buck stops with the head coach. Harbaugh is ultimately responsible for the product on the field.

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Harbaugh can’t say he didn’t get a fair shake. Should the Ravens fire their coach, it would be after missing the playoffs four of the last five seasons. The Ravens need a fresh start and a new hope. If Steve Bisciotti keeps Harbaugh on board, he is trying to fix something that is ultimately broken. The Ravens have a habit of losing the same way. Harbaugh could have solved many of his problems by changing coordinators this past offseason.

Loyalty could be Harbaugh’s top weakness

He kept Marty Mornhinweg and Dean Pees on. It gave Pees more chances to let his defense surrender leads in the last minute. It gave Mornhinweg more time to frustrate the fans. Harbaugh is a coach delegates to his coaching staff. He has a habit of picking the wrong coordinators and sticking with them through thick and thin.

When it’s all said and done, Harbaugh belongs in the ring of honor at M&T Bank Stadium. However Brian Billick found his way in the ring of honor and when it was time for him to go, it was really time for him to go. Coaches in the NFL have an expiration date with their team. Harbaugh lasted a long time. It’s time for a change. Firing Harbaugh isn’t going to be easy but it may be necessary.

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