How Ravens firing John Harbaugh could affect Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Baltimore Ravens need a new head coach for the first time in 19 years. This means Lamar Jackson will be playing for a new head coach for the first time in his ninth NFL season.
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With John Harbaugh gone, Jackson will need to work with a different leader going forward despite winning 193 games, including the playoffs, and a Super Bowl ring. Despite Harbaugh’s overall success, the head coach went just 3-5 in Jackson’s five postseason trips and missed the 2025 postseason.
There has been speculation that Ravens officials could reset the entire team on the field, including trying to trade for Jackson.
Here’s what Harbaugh’s departure means for Jackson’s future in Baltimore:
Lamar Jackson to serve as third offensive coordinator
Greg Roman helped Jackson win an MVP award in his second year, and the Ravens adapted their offense early to his dynamic running game while he developed into a well-rounded passer. Once Jackson perfected his game, it naturally evolved into a more balanced and explosive MVP year in 2023 under Todd Monken.
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Baltimore’s offense relied heavily on the run game in the Jackson era, and the emergence of Derrick Henry the past two seasons has made Jackson more effective downfield and harder to stop as a runner. Unfortunately, Jackson’s durability issues in 2025 caused the offense to struggle and miss the playoffs amid a tough schedule.
After the season, there was some pressure on Harbaugh to make another change with Monken. Now Monken will have a job and potentially fill one of six other head coaching vacancies.
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Kliff Kingsbury, who had just been fired by the Commanders, seemed like the ideal offensive coordinator (or play-calling head coach) to pair with Jackson after top-level work with Kyler Murray and Jayden Daniels. The Ravens could also try to utilize the Rams’ staff and let pass rush specialist Nathan Scheelhaase call the plays, if not outright hire their head coach Mike LaFleur as their new coach.
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Lamar Jackson needs to be more of a leader for teammates
The Ravens are used to Harbaugh’s coaching style. Now, there is shock in the locker room after losing the company of his family. There are many veterans who must be prepared for a difficult adjustment.
The Ravens’ ongoing voice, heart and soul now belongs to Jackson, who has been the starting quarterback for nearly a decade. With the defense in need of an overhaul, Jackson will need to use his consistency to ease transitions. Jackson is attached to Harbaugh in many ways. If Jackson stays, this is his team and the new head coach has more adjustments to make.
Will the Ravens really trade Lamar Jackson without Harbaugh?
Jackson has two years remaining on his contract. Harbaugh just turned 29 on Wednesday, the day after he was fired, so he still has a lot of prime years ahead of him.
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The Ravens can’t rule out trading Jackson given that many teams will once again be in quarterback transition. The Raiders and Jets top the list and are tied with top draft prospects Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore. But the Class of 2026 has some real questions beyond this promising duo. The Browns, Cardinals, Vikings and Jackson’s hometown Dolphins could also join the fray to make significant changes at quarterback.
Baltimore officials will reveal whether Jackson is still in the team’s plans through their instructions to the next coach and OC. If they are a more friendly offensive hire to Jackson, it suggests the Ravens just want a fresh overall approach and still feel like their quarterback is committed to the organization. It may seem crazy for the Ravens to move Jackson, but it would be a better move for them if they can’t commit to what Jackson needs to be successful.