Ravens Finalizing Extension With Head Coach John Harbaugh

TheSportster

By Alex Hoegler

Published Jan 20, 2019

The Baltimore Ravens are closing in on a contract extension with head coach John Harbaugh, according to reports.

Jan 6, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh yells from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. The Chargers won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh are getting close to reaching a contract extension, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Harbaugh's future in Baltimore was up in the air for much of the 2018 season. But after leading the team to a strong second half - one that concluded with a 10-6 record and AFC North division title - Harbaugh appears to have bought himself more time with the organization.

Back in November, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Ravens and Harbaugh were set to mutually part ways after the season. Things changed once he turned to rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson - who led the Ravens to their first playoff appearance in four years. The Ravens stood at 4-5 through their first nine games, but they went 6-1 the rest of the way to win the division over the unraveling Pittsburgh Steelers.

Through 11 seasons as head coach of the Ravens, Harbaugh has compiled a 104-72 record. The Ravens have made the playoffs seven times, including three AFC title game appearances and a Super Bowl XLVII championship.

The Ravens have only endured one losing season under Harbaugh (2015), and they've been one of the more successful franchises during his tenure. With an excellent defense and talented quarterback in Jackson, the pieces are in place for Baltimore to contend for years to come.

There were previously reports that some teams would call the Ravens about Harbaugh's availability, but the organization clearly wasn't keen on letting him go. Thus, Harbaugh will stay on with Baltimore for 2019, and likely much longer.

What This Mean

The Ravens had been mired in mediocrity over the last five years, making the playoffs just once. But with Harbaugh helping Baltimore turn a corner in the second half, it only made sense to keep him around for 2019 and beyond. There aren't many coaches with the same level of success as Harbaugh, so the Ravens made the right call in retaining him.

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