Most of us are still coming to terms with the idea that John Harbaugh is no longer the Baltimore Ravens head coach.
Unfortunately, the NFL waits for no one, and the Ravens have been quick to search for his replacement.
There were several theories as to why Baltimore moved on from Harbaugh.
Multiple playoff failures recently, being there 18 years, and perhaps the most talked about reason -- Lamar Jackson.
ESPN's Jamison Hensley has pointed out that Jackson's impending contract restructure/extension might have played a role in Harbaugh being moved on.
"A team source pointed out that it wasn't a coincidence that the dismissal of Harbaugh came at a time when Baltimore needs to get a new contract completed with Jackson, whose salary cap figure jumps to $74.5 million this offseason," Hensley wrote. "A new coach might make it easier to get a new long-term deal done with Jackson."
More: ESPN Insider offers insight into Lamar Jackson/John Harbaugh Ravens relationship
Friction could have led to Harbaugh dismissal
There have been rumors and reports that the relationship between Jackson and Harbaugh wasn't the best, though that hasn't been confirmed.
But with Jackson's contract now a big deal for the Ravens this offseason, it feels like getting Lamar to extend is going to be far easier without Harbaugh as head coach.
Especially if he was one of the reasons why things went south.
So, maybe Jackson's impending contract situation played a role in Harbaugh's firing. Who knows.
But to have a team source state that it wasn't a coincidence that Harbaugh was fired right when Lamar's contract was coming up is certainly an interesting piece of information.
More Ravens news:
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- Lamar Jackson perfectly sums up Ravens loss to Steelers with 1 word