Ravens fire Harbaugh after 18 seasons

The Baltimore Ravens will hire a new coach for the first time in nearly 20 years.

The franchise fired longtime coach John Harbaugh on Tuesday after 18 seasons, the team confirmed.

Harbaugh secured a 188-113 regular-season record during his time in Baltimore, leading the Ravens to 12 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl championship after the 2012 season.

But consistent postseason success proved elusive — Harbaugh’s Ravens had amassed a 4-7 playoff record since that championship run. They also reached the AFC championship game three times in Harbaugh’s first five seasons, but just once in the remaining 13 years.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. “Throughout what I believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership.”

Sunday’s disappointing loss was Harbaugh’s last game with the Ravens.

The Ravens lost to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers with the AFC North title on the line. Rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired, dropping the Ravens to 8-9 on the season.

Harbaugh was the second-longest-tenured coach in the NFL, trailing only the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin.

The Ravens developed a reputation for blown leads in Harbaugh’s final seasons with the club.

This season was a mess pretty much from the start, when Baltimore looked great for much of its opening game at Buffalo before blowing a late lead.

The team was 0-5 in games decided by 5 points or fewer this season. Baltimore also blew 46 fourth-quarter leads under Harbaugh, according to NFL research, the second most in the NFL.

Baltimore opened the season with a lackluster 1-5 record as two-time MVP Lamar Jackson struggled to stay healthy throughout the year.

Harbaugh and the Ravens worked their way back into contention and eventually reached Sunday’s winner-take-all matchup as a favorite to beat the Steelers.

But despite running back Derrick Henry’s early dominance on the ground and Jackson’s sensational fourth quarter, another season ended in excruciating fashion.

“Appreciation for all these moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “I hope a legacy built on faith, always fighting, always believing. Values built into an organization, through a team, that are worthwhile. Good and lasting and that are admired by friends and foes alike.”

The Ravens will now hunt for a new coach — just the fourth in team history — to pair with their franchise quarterback.

“We now begin the challenging, but exciting, process of identifying the next leader of our football team,” Mr. Bisciotti said. “We fully understand the expectations of our fans and everyone in the Ravens organization. Finding another strong leader who will reflect these high standards is paramount.”

Baltimore officials have not confirmed the fate of defensive coordinator Zach Orr or offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The Ravens’ offensive play-caller is expected to be a popular candidate in this offseason’s head coaching carousel.

The Cleveland Browns have already requested to interview Monken for their head coaching vacancy.

NFL insiders believe that Harbaugh will also be involved in head coaching searches if he opts to continue his NFL career. The 63-year-old, with his Super Bowl ring and 2019 Coach of the Year award, would have one of the strongest resumes in the league.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, all seven NFL teams with head coach vacancies had contacted Harbaugh within 45 minutes of the firing, and he “is expected to emerge as a favorite” for the New York Giants job. New York-based reporters posted on social media that the Giants already expect to interview him.

• This article was based in part on wire service reports.