The Baltimore Ravens signed John Harbaugh to a three-year extension at the end of March, putting Harbaugh under contract through the 2028 season. Knowing he’ll be with the organization for almost two decades, it’s become pretty clear he’s the best coach in franchise history. By the time he’s done, Harbaugh will have coached the team at least twice as long as any of the other two coaches.
“I’m happy to be alive. I hope that continues for a while,” Harbaugh said of his tenure. “I say to my dad, ‘You’ll say happy birthday,’ or you’re feeling older or whatever, and it’s like, ‘Hey, it’s better than the alternative,’ so let’s keep rolling. Really what you think about, honestly, what you think about is, how are we going to get better today? How can we get better? What do we need to do? Your players, coaches, schemes.”
Since their inaugural season in 1996, the Ravens have only had three coaches. Ted Marchibroda was the first coach and served three seasons. He was succeeded by Brian Billick in 1998. Billick led the Ravens to their first-ever Super Bowl season in 2000.
After nine seasons, Harbaugh took over for Billick in 2008. Harbaugh reached the playoffs in each of his first five seasons as Ravens head coach. In 2012, he led the Ravens to their second Super Bowl win in franchise history. During his 17 seasons in Baltimore, Harbaugh has accrued a 172-104 regular-season record and a 13-11 playoff record.
Harbaugh is one of five coaches in NFL history to lead his team to the postseason at least 12 times over his first 17 seasons as a head coach. He joins Pete Carroll, Bud Grant, Mike Holmgren, and Mike McCarthy.
Under Harbaugh, the Ravens have gone on to win six AFC North championships, the most by any coach in franchise history. Harbaugh was also named NFL Coach of the Year in 2019 after the Ravens finished with a franchise best 14-2 record.
The Ravens have cemented themselves as one of the most consistent franchises during Harbaugh’s tenure. Baltimore has made 12 playoff appearances in 17 seasons under Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s .623 win percentage is higher than Marchibroda and Billick as well.
The franchise has been particularly good at home as shown by their 99-39 record at M&T Bank Stadium. Harbaugh’s 21-3 record at home in prime-time games is an NFL best.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti did the right thing by awarding Harbaugh with a contract extension. Harbaugh has directed the franchise through some tough times both on and off the field. He’s the right man to continue steering the ship. Now that he has a new contract in hand, he can focus on doing just that.