Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is heading into his 18th year. He still seems to feel like he has a lot to prove. At 62, he’s the third-oldest head coach in the NFL today. Harbaugh this past January signed a three-year contract, lengthening one of the most successful runs in league history. Like any good quarterback, he’s fired up to lead his team back to championship glory!
Harbaugh’s remarkable odyssey with Baltimore began in 2008. In the years since, his leadership, vision and toughness has turned that same team into a perennial Super Bowl contender. The former defensive coordinator won a Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2013, but he isn’t satisfied. His recent playoff performances have fallen short of his lofty standards. Harbaugh’s recent 12-year playoff run has culminated in a 4-7 playoff record. This has led to three divisional round exits and only one trip to the conference title game since the team’s Super Bowl victory.
During that time, Harbaugh took stock of his years with the Ravens and was proud of what they’d accomplished. He knew there was more to be done. “In the playoffs, we haven’t been able to put it together for three or four games to win the Super Bowl championship, and that’s the hard thing,” he stated. We know that’s hard to do, which is why only one team succeeds at it. That’s just the way it’s set up right now. Yet, we did our best to be that team, and we knew we were better than it. It’s not insurmountable — and we’ll figure out how to get it done!
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Harbaugh has outlined a theme for his coaching staff and players: “to get out of our own way and be on the same page.” One key point he made was the need to be very intentional both in their preparation and in their execution. The real challenge is doing it all the right way. We have to be deliberate about what we do each and every day, and that’s the difference,” he said.
Harbaugh is under contract through the 2028 season, which would be Harbaugh’s 21st year in the league. It seems like he has no signs of slowing down. He’s all about winning today and there’s no retirement spiking in front of him on the horizon. He knows the challenges that lie before him, but continues to exude confidence both in his coaching ability and the potential value of his team.
“Hey, you coach until you just can’t take it anymore,” said Jack Harbaugh, John’s father, reflecting on his son’s dedication to the sport. Once you get to that point, you’re allowed to coach two additional years and then you’re out. At the heart of this sentiment is the same fierce loyalty that coursed through every member of the Harbaugh clan.
The Ravens are looking forward to another thrilling season. Guided by Harbaugh’s vision, they’ll have to get through the rigors of a cutthroat conference, while continuing to live up to their sky-high expectations of their rabid fan base. It’s his experience and strategic mindset that are invaluable assets. He believes they need to create a dominant team to win a second Super Bowl or more to truly have longevity under his leadership.
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