Mike Tomlin and Jim Harbaugh Comment on John Harbaugh and Ravens Parting Ways
John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin were on opposite sidelines for nearly two decades of the heated Ravens-Steelers rivalry. Mutual respect between the two head coaches was forged from their teams' many battles.
During an appearance on ESPN's "Rich Eisen Show" Wednesday, Tomlin shared his feelings about Harbaugh and the Ravens parting ways.
"First, I just have so much respect for Harbs," Tomlin said. "Our stories will forever be interwoven. This rivalry that we've been fortunate and honored enough to be a part of, I've just got so much respect for him and how he's gone about his business. We've certainly had some legendary battles over the years.
"In terms of him being let go, unfortunately, I just think it's a component of today's sports culture. There have been many examples of that. And so, it's unfortunate, but I'm sure that he is going to move on, and if he chooses to coach again, I'm sure he will, and I'm sure he'll be very successful at doing so."
Also on Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about his older brother during his media session.
"John Harbaugh's the best coach I know, best coach I've ever seen," Jim Harbaugh said. "I'm his brother, so I might be biased."
Asked if he would consider bringing his brother onto his staff in Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh said with certainty that John will be a head coach somewhere in the NFL next season.
"As I told him, whatever team he goes to is going to be formidable," Jim Harbaugh said. "I just hope it's in the NFC. … He'll be attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind the next opportunity."
Ian Rapoport: Next Ravens Head Coach Will Be Tasked With Invigorating Lamar Jackson
One of the reasons the Ravens' head coaching job is regarded as the most desirable of the seven vacancies is that the new coach will inherit two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
Jackson is coming off a frustrating season in which he missed four games due to injury and did not look like himself in the majority of the games he did play in. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said one of the top goals for the next coach will be to maximize Jackson's potential.
"It did seem like a lot of the focus here is to find someone to reach Lamar, to invigorate Lamar, to find him," Rapoport said. "I'm not saying they chose the quarterback over the coach. It's not like that. It's just which coach can come in and get the absolute most out of the two-time MVP that just had a weird year and a year where a lot of people in the building were wondering, 'Is Lamar OK? What's wrong with him? How can we get to him?'"
Bill Belichick Mentioned As Long-Shot Candidate for Ravens Head Coach
You’ve probably seen media reports on the dozen or so potential candidates to be the next Ravens head coach, but a few pundits floated some big-name, outside-the-box candidates. Here's a look:
North Carolina Head Coach Bill Belichick
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec: "OK, it's probably a long shot, but given his friendships with owner Steve Bisciotti and Ravens Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome and his Annapolis roots, it's not hard to make the connection. Belichick has always professed his respect for how the Ravens do business, and it's hard to imagine a better situation for him if he's determined to return to the NFL and make a run at his seventh Super Bowl ring as a head coach. Belichick, who started his coaching career as a Baltimore Colts assistant in 1975, turns 74 in April — and he'd be a lot for the Ravens to take on. However, if they are looking for a transitional coach to keep the Super Bowl window open for a few more years, they won't find a more accomplished option."
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti
The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer: "John Harbaugh, a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, was an unconventional hire for Bisciotti. Cignetti would be, too. He's 64 and has never coached in the NFL, both of which can be deal-breakers for NFL owners. But just look at the results (or Google them): After turning around Division II IUP and James Madison, Cignetti has Indiana, one of the least successful Division I programs in college football history, two wins away from a national title. His quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, just won the Heisman Trophy. He has a loyal staff and a no-nonsense attitude. Bisciotti would have to stomach a massive buyout — reportedly $15 million after Cignetti's latest extension — but if Cignetti's sick of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness drama, someone in the NFL would welcome him."
Jackson Got High Grades in Season Finale
Even though the Ravens came up short in Sunday night's winner-take-all showdown with the Steelers, Jackson was outstanding, leading the league in multiple passing categories in Week 18, per Pro Football Focus’ Nick Akridge:
Best downfield passer (99.9 PFF grade)
"Jackson did all he could to try to lead the Ravens to the playoffs. He finished with his highest single-game PFF overall grade of the season. His deep ball was perfect in Week 18, going 3-for-3 for 140 yards and two big-time throws. Jackson is the seventh quarterback this season to earn a 99.9 deep-passing grade in a single game."
Best against the blitz (97.1 PFF grade)
"Jackson was at his best when the Steelers blitzed. He was blitzed on more than 50% of his dropbacks and made them pay. Jackson went 7-for-9 for 207 yards and two big-time throws, including the highest-graded pass of the week, when he made two pass rushers miss and hit Zay Flowers for a deep touchdown."
Best on third and fourth down (96.5 PFF grade)
"It's tough to emphasize how well Jackson played in Week 18 despite the loss. He was the highest-graded quarterback in Week 18, averaging a ridiculous 13.2 yards per attempt. Jackson was clutch on the most important downs of the game, going 6-for-8 for 195 yards and two big-time throws. He converted four first downs, none bigger than the fourth-down throw to Isaiah Likely that set up the potential game-winning field goal."
Pundit Says Ravens Should Consider Extending Flowers This Offseason
NFL.com analyst Marc Ross weighed in on what each team should do regarding the fifth-year option for its 2023 first-round pick.
He said the Ravens should exercise the option on wide receiver Flowers and consider signing him to an extension this offseason. Flowers' fifth-year option is projected to be nearly $24.4 million, per OvertheCap.com.
"Despite a few missteps, Flowers has been Baltimore's best receiver since his arrival," Ross wrote. "He's shown that he's made for the big moment, evidenced by his 138-yard, two-TD performance in the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh. With back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons that have resulted in Pro Bowl selections, it feels like Flowers is just scratching the surface."
Quick Hits
Yesterday's Most Read: Rumor Mill: Ravens to Hold Initial Interviews Thursday
- Safety Kyle Hamilton was named to Next Gen Stats’ All-Pro Team.
- The Ravens played in two of NFL.com’s top five games of the season, as the season-ending loss to the Steelers came in at No. 5. Baltimore's season-opening loss to the Bills was No. 2.
- Running back Derrick Henry made Madden NFL 26’s Team of the Week for Weeks 16/17.
