After 18 seasons and more than 180 wins, the Ravens finally parted ways with John Harbaugh on Tuesday evening.
Harbaugh, 63, is the franchise's most decorated head coach, having posted a 180-113 record in regular season play. A former AP Coach of the Year winner and Super Bowl champion, Harbaugh is expected to field countless offers from other NFL teams. Baltimore didn't perform like it's accustomed to across his final few years in town. But his experience makes him a qualified candidate for where he takes his talents next.
Here's what you need to know about Harbaugh's next steps following his shock Baltimore departure.
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John Harbaugh's best landing spots
While the final few years of Harbaugh's Ravens career soured his reputation in Charm City, he still is a popular figure around league circles. ESPN's Adam Schefter stated that Harbaugh's dismissal is expected to prompt multiple teams with head coaching openings to "readjust their boards." NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that Harbaugh is considered the top head-coaching candidate in this year's hiring cycle.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons surprisingly let go of Raheem Morris on Black Monday, spelling an end to the 49-year-old's two-year stint in Atlanta. The Falcons fell one game short of postseason play, downing each of its final four foes to breathe life into a dormant fanbase. While the Falcons are still seeking a long-term answer under center, they're well-positioned to compete in a fairly underwhelming NFC South.
At 63 years old, Harbaugh might not have the desire to take part in a lengthy rebuild in the hopes of building a playoff contender. Atlanta, with its rich collection of talent -- namely Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Chris Lindstrom -- offers a strong platform to succeed in the short-term. With Matt Ryan expected to feature prominently in Atlanta's head-coaching search, the Falcons are looking for a statement hire to man the headset in 2026. No coaching candidate would represent a bigger get than Harbaugh.
New York Giants
Many of the sides with coaching vacancies have yet to find their quarterback of the future. The Giants are one notable exception, though, finding success with Jaxson Dart during his maiden season in the Big Apple.
Dart tallied 2,800 yards of total offense and 24 total touchdowns across 12 starts as a rookie. He showed flashes of brilliance while draped in blue-and-white, striking up strong partnerships with Cam Skattebo and Wandale Robinson. He also delivered the vast majority of his production without star wideout Malik Nabers, who missed nearly the whole season after suffering a torn ACL.
Dart, Skattebo and Nabers make for a compelling young core. New York is far from competitive at the moment. But its youthfulness and strong draft position could prove enticing for many, including Harbaugh, who is expected to have the pick of the litter when it comes to determining his next home. According to Schefter, he has already emerged as one of the favorites for the Giants' gig.
Las Vegas Raiders
Uncertainty abounds in Las Vegas, as the Raiders find themselves without a head coach at the end of their season for the second time in as many years.
The Raiders have some pieces, including reigning All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby and former No. 6 overall pick running back Ashton Jeanty. The holes are certainly glaring within the franchise's roster. Geno Smith looks far-removed from his Seahawks prime while the Raiders' defense is adorned with middling pieces.
Las Vegas will get a reprieve with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That could be appealing for Harbaugh, who would get a chance to leave an immediate imprint on the roster. Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are expected to be in contention for the top pick. Both would figure to get a chance to learn and develop under Harbaugh.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been in a steady free fall in recent years, struggling to tally wins across the past two seasons. Cam Ward's matriculation to the NFL had some good moments. But Tennessee's 3-14 record indicates that the team is far away from mounting any legitimate claim the postseason.
Ward's final numbers weren't the gaudiest; he completed less than 60 percent, tossed seven interceptions and failed to make much of an impact in the run game.
Still, there's little reason to believe Ward won't be the team's starter for the foreseeable future. Harbaugh could view Ward as a captivating piece, one who could prove an anchor for a steady postseason contender if he is able to progress quickly.