In a shocking move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh on January 7, 2026, ending his 18-year tenure with the franchise. Harbaugh, who led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2012 and compiled a stellar 180-113 regular-season record, was let go following a disappointing 2025 season that saw the team finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The decision comes less than 48 hours after the Ravens’ season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where a missed field goal sealed their fate. But behind the scenes, reports indicate that internal dynamics—particularly tensions between quarterback Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken—played a significant role in Harbaugh’s departure.
The Root of the Issue: Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken’s Personality Clash
According to Ravens beat writer Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Harbaugh strongly advocated for retaining Todd Monken as offensive coordinator despite reported personality clashes with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Zrebiec shared on a recent podcast that “John Harbaugh wanted to keep Todd Monken,” but “Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken’s personalities didn’t mesh very well at times.” Harbaugh often acted as the “buffer” between the two over the past couple of years.
These tensions weren’t about outright animosity—sources emphasize there was no hatred—but rather a challenging disconnect that impacted the offense. Multiple reports, including from ESPN and The New York Times, highlight that Harbaugh’s refusal to consider parting ways with Monken was a key factor in owner Steve Bisciotti’s decision to move on from the longtime coach.
Monken, who joined the Ravens in 2023, helped transform the offense and contributed to Jackson’s second MVP award that year. However, the 2025 season saw struggles, with the team stumbling to a 1-5 start amid injuries and defensive lapses. While some media narratives pointed fingers at the offense, many fans and analysts argue the defense was the bigger culprit.
Todd Monken’s Future: Head Coaching Interest from Cleveland Browns
As the Ravens clean house, Monken is already drawing significant interest elsewhere. The Cleveland Browns have requested an interview with Monken for their head coaching vacancy, marking him as one of the first candidates in their search. Monken previously served as an assistant in Cleveland and has emerged as a hot name on the coaching carousel after multiple interview requests in recent cycles.
This development adds intrigue to the AFC North rivalry, with speculation about potential coach swaps involving Harbaugh potentially landing in Cleveland as well.
Fan Reactions and Debate: Offense vs. Defense Blame
Ravens fans have been vocal on social media, with many pushing back against narratives blaming Monken or the offense. Replies to discussions about Zrebiec’s insights highlight skepticism, attributing the team’s failures more to defensive issues, injuries, and coordinator Zach Orr rather than any Jackson-Monken rift. “The media is pushing the ‘it was the offense’ issue still? No one believes you,” one fan commented, echoing a common sentiment that the defense bore more responsibility.
Others expressed disappointment in the abrupt nature of Harbaugh’s exit, noting it left staff and players shocked. Hall of Famer Tony Dungy even criticized the move, saying he “doesn’t understand” firing a coach of Harbaugh’s caliber.
What’s Next for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson?
With Harbaugh gone, the Ravens instantly become one of the most attractive head coaching jobs in the NFL, boasting a franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson (who has two years left on his contract) and a talented roster. Potential candidates include defensive minds like Brian Flores or Jessie Minter, or offensive innovators like Kevin Stefanski.
The big question remains: How will a new coach handle the offensive dynamics? Jackson’s future and any potential coordinator changes could define Baltimore’s reset.
This firing marks the end of an era but opens a new chapter for a franchise hungry for another Super Bowl run. As the coaching search heats up, all eyes are on how the Ravens address these reported internal tensions to maximize Lamar Jackson’s prime years.
Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, The Athletic, BaltimoreRavens.com, and fan discussions on X.