Let's get one thing straight, we don't take someone losing their job lightly. It's not something we ever hope for or poke fun at, but when the results aren't showing up, much like any other job, the guilty party should be dealt with accordingly.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been leading the sideline for 17 seasons. Throughout his tenure, he's gone 160-101 with a Super Bowl win in 2012. He's led the team to several seasons of success, however, the shine on Harbaugh might be dimming. Although he's only recorded two losing seasons in that stretch, fans are beginning to lose faith in Harbaugh.
After losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game last season, the Ravens came into this season with one goal in mind: win the whole damn thing. The hype and buzz around this team was palpable. Until it wasn't. The Ravens are now 0-2 going into Week 3 with a showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. It's become a must-win game for a winless Ravens team looking to bounce back after a dreadful fourth-quarter collapse to the Las Vegas Raiders at home.
While we certainly aren't calling for Harbaugh's job, it's getting to the point where the fans and organization are getting frustrated with the lack of success and the failure to be prepared in big moments. If the Ravens do move on from Harbaugh, these five candidates would be the perfect leaders to carry the torch.
5 perfect John Harbaugh replacements
5. Matt Campbell
For those who aren't familiar with Matt Campbell, it's understandable. Cambell is 44 years old and has been the head coach at Iowa State, where over the past nine seasons with the Cyclones, he's transformed them into a consistent winner and legitimate threat.
Iowa State has never been known as a football powerhouse. However, since Campbell has arrived on campus, he's turned them into a consistent winner. He's known for tough defense and overachieving by getting the most out of his players. Imagine what he could do with NFL-level talent. Campbell would bring that same mentality to a team that could use a fresh culture. He'd be an excellent fit and one that could grow with the team much like John Harbaugh did when he was first hired.
4. Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore is the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. He's in his sixth season as an NFL coordinator where he has spearheaded some very dynamic and electric offenses.
Moore would be an ideal fit for the Ravens strictly due to his offensive prowess and understanding. He'd be a great mind to work alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson to create offensive schemes that are unpredictable and unimaginably dangerous. It's only a matter of time before Moore becomes a head coach, the Ravens could look to provide him with his first chance.
3. Aaron Glenn
Aaron Glenn is the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He's been at this post for four seasons and he's done an admirable job. Glenn is a tenacious and competitive coach who leans into hard work and effort. He's turned the Lions into one of the more prolific defenses in the NFL, especially on the rushing side.
The Ravens have always been a tough defensive team. Glenn would provide more of the same but with fresher concepts and better schemes. It's not hard to believe Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh could have the same career boost that Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has had. Glenn's a great coach and his players believe in him. He'll be a great head coach whenever his time is called.
2. Bill Belichick
Let's get wild. Former New England Patriots and NFL's best head coach ever Bill Belichick would be an unreal hire for the Ravens. Belichick would take his no-nonsense attitude to a team that could use a bit of a lesson in the discipline department.
Belichick-led teams are expected to perform well and win Super Bowls. What better match than a Ravens team starved for Super Bowls and a head coach who will do anything and everything to win them? He's up there in the age department, but he's clearly one of the best football minds to ever play the game. He'd bring his defense-first and run-heavy approach to a roster that fits the mold perfectly.
If Billy B came to Baltimore, it would be one of the splashier moves. This Ravens team is built to compete now and the organization might prefer a more seasoned coach than trying to establish a rapport with a new one. Keep an eye out for 'Belichick to the Ravens' rumors if Harbaugh's seat gets hotter.
1. Ben Johnson
Going back to Detroit, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is surely going to be an NFL head coach soon. Many thought he'd be in his first year this season, but he opted to go back to Detroit to run it back with head coach Dan Campbell hoping to deliver a Super Bowl title to the Motor City.
The work he's done with Jared Goff is incredible and the thought of him working his magic with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is salivating. The Ravens could use innovation and fun exciting play calls, Johnson would bring that in bunches. Much like Moore, it's more a matter of when, not if, Johnson will get his first head coaching opportunity. At 38 years old, Johnson would be a great young leader who could inspire this team to do greater things than they could ever conceive.