John Harbaugh is one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the NFL, but the Baltimore Ravens boss may need to come up with a new retirement plan after the full retirement age was changed
John Harbaugh and Andy Reid are two of the best and most respected coaches in the NFL and met in the 2024 AFC Championship(Image: Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid could retire under the new Social Security parameters — but Baltimore Ravens boss John Harbaugh will have to extend his career by at least another year.
The 2025 NFL season is right around the corner, and many head coaches around the league are whipping their teams into shape. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel interestingly suggested he’s craving death, while John’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, praised the Detroit Lions despite his Los Angeles Chargers securing a convincing win in the Hall of Fame game.
However, on the eve of the new season, some news means retirement plans for some of the older coaches may be altered. The American retirement age has increased, which doesn’t affect Pete Carroll or Reid, but may affect Harbaugh.
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For many, the thought of retirement surrounded the golden age of 65, but the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits has been gradually increasing. Starting in 2025, it will hit 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959.
Meanwhile, to address the longer life expectancy, the full retirement age will be 67 for individuals born in 1960 or later. This change means those expecting to retire at 66 years and 8 months will now have to wait an additional few months.
Reid, whose Chiefs were crushed by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, flirted with retirement ahead of the 2024 season before returning for his 26th head coaching campaign. He returned with a blockbuster new contract that made him the highest-paid coach in football as a reward for overseeing the Chiefs‘ dynasty.
Reid is currently 67 years old, sneaking inside the FRA following the latest adjustment. The three-time Super Bowl champion—who hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in back-to-back seasons—appears set to lead the Chiefs for the foreseeable future, with his contract tying him down through the 2028 season.
The news may represent more of a blow to a figure like Harbaugh. The Ravens head coach is set to turn 63 next month, and the news means he wouldn’t receive the maximum assistance from Social Security until near his 67th birthday in 2029.
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Andy Reid and the Chiefs are looking to reach a fourth successive Super Bowl this season(Image: Getty Images)
Like Reid, Harbaugh is in no rush to leave his role. The Ravens reached the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs last year and were a play away from taking the loss to the Buffalo Bills to overtime.
The Ravens enter the 2025 season as one of the favorites, with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson leading the way. Harbaugh has established a winning culture in Baltimore, guiding the AFC North franchise to 12 playoff berths, including four AFC Championship games and a Super Bowl XLVII victory.
Under his leadership, the Ravens have 13 playoff victories, eight of which came on the road—an NFL record. He and Reid are two of the league’s most respected and revered coaches, but the new retirement age lies between them.
The Ravens kick off preseason against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, Aug. 7, before taking on the Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 16) and Washington Commanders (Aug. 23). Meanwhile, the Chiefs face the Arizona Cardinals (Aug. 9), Seattle Seahawks (Aug. 15), and Chicago Bears (Aug. 22).
The Chiefs start the 2025 regular season against the Chargers in Brazil on Friday, Sept. 5, while the Ravens meet the Bills in a playoff rematch at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7.