John Harbaugh: Baltimore Ravens Agree to New Contract

A controversial move?

This is a move that will divide much of the fanbase. John Harbaugh has undoubtedly had a great deal of success as the Ravens head coach, but a lot of that success was in the first five years of his tenure, which of course included a Super Bowl and five straight playoff appearances. The last six have not been as swell, including only two playoff appearances and only one playoff win (coming in 2014).

Many fans wanted an young, offensive minded coach to help develop the quarterback of the future in Lamar Jackson. After many years of coming up short, there was a movement that felt a change of scenery would be best for both parties involved. I don’t think anyone thinks John Harbaugh is a bad coach, but sometimes a change of scenery is best for the team (i.e., John Fox and the Denver Broncos).

However, there are also many fans that feel Harbaugh is too good of a coach to let go. This group saw what Harbaugh did with the team when Lamar Jackson became starting quarterback. And if Jackson is your quarterback of the future, is a change of scenery at the head coaching position best when you just experienced so much success together?

Baltimore has the coaching staff needed to be successful. In Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale, they have a phenomenal defensive mind that is excellent at calling the defense. He knows how to scheme for opponents and adjust week-to-week as well as in-game. In Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman, they have a respected offensive mind that has successfully worked with mobile quarterbacks and implemented systems to get the most out of their talent. Not to mention his brilliant zone-run scheme that gave the Ravens much success once Lamar Jackson stepped in.

And finally, in John Harbaugh, the Ravens have a proven winner. A winner of many playoff games and a Super Bowl, Harbaugh knows how to coach football. Most importantly, he is a leader of men. For the most part, John’s players have always loved him (save for some disgruntled former safties). And many of the players have even voiced their support for their coach and their joy in his new deal on social media.

Needless to say, the Baltimore Ravens organization likes their coach. And like it or not, M&T Bank will not have a different head coach roaming the sidelines.