The Baltimore Ravens made the move that fans have been asking to see for years now. After 18 successful years, they moved on from Head Coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday.
Sources: John Harbaugh is out as the Ravens head coach. pic.twitter.com/Rht9ssh01j
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2026
Obviously, when you have such a successful coach who has stabilized an organization for nearly two decades, it will make for a difficult decision. But it seems like the right decision. It was clear Harbaugh had run his course in Baltimore, and it is time to get a new voice in the building.
For Harbaugh, he should have no problem finding a new head coaching gig elsewhere. However, this also has a significant impact on his staff. In particular, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken and Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr are being put into question following the move.
Ravens set for overhaul of changes with John Harbaugh out the door
In Monken’s case, he has been getting head coaching buzz, with the Cleveland Browns recently requesting to interview him for their vacancy. At face value, it seems like a perfect fit with Monken potentially taking over a young, exciting offense to play off of Cleveland’s top defense.
However, it’s fair to wonder if Monken could follow Harbaugh to his next destination. It was revealed that Harbaugh’s reluctance to move on from Monken was a key reason in the team’s decision to part ways with the 18-year head coach.
A key pressure point in the John Harbaugh dismissal, according to those familiar with today’s discussions, was his refusal to entertain any conversations about potentially moving on from offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 6, 2026
On the other hand, Orr could struggle to get back into a defensive coordinator position if he departs. He is just 33 years old, but it has been obvious through two seasons at the position that he may not be ready to take on such a role yet. With Harbaugh out the door, his seat is hot.
The Ravens’ next head coach, whoever that is, will almost certainly bring in his own staff. Sure, there is a slim chance that Monken and Orr could stick around, but new head coaches almost always bring on their preferred offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator.
Baltimore fans are likely more than okay with this outcome. Monken, despite showcasing offensive genius, tends to outsmart himself. His ability to adjust to the opposing defense’s gameplan was also inconsistent throughout the year.
Orr flashed as a bright-minded defensive coordinator, but just as quarterback Lamar Jackson saved jobs, safety Kyle Hamilton has likely saved Orr’s job up to this point. The second-year coordinator was far too relaxed with his coverage schemes, and his pressure rates were concerningly low.
Regardless of the outcome of the Harbaugh move, it is crystal clear that there will be an overhaul of changes coming, and the Ravens are hopefully heading in the right direction.