After the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh following 18 seasons with the organization, many wondered whether 2-time MVP and franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson had any impact on the decision.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz finally revealed the answer to that question.<\/p>\n
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Lamar Jackson\u2019s Role in John Harbaugh\u2019s Firing Comes to Light<\/p>\n
During his Thursday radio show, Schultz discussed Jackson\u2019s absence from OTAs and what it could mean for the team moving forward. Schultz described Jackson as \u201cintegral to the organization,\u201d adding, \u201cWhen you consider that in many ways, they chose Lamar over John Harbaugh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Veering off topic, the insider quickly pulled back, noting that the firing was not a \u201cdirect correlation,\u201d though Schultz ultimately closed by revealing Jackson and Harbaugh \u201chad some issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jackson is entering the fourth year of the five-year contract extension he signed in May 2023. After winning his second MVP award, ranking 2nd among signal-callers in 2024 according to PFSN\u2019s QB Impact metrics,<\/a> and earning both Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors twice, Jackson is understandably holding out for a longer, more lucrative deal.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Expect the two sides to reach a deal before the 2026 season as the Ravens prioritize having their MVP-level quarterback on the playing field.<\/p>\n BE AN NFL GM: PFSN\u2019s Ultimate GM Simulator<\/a><\/p>\n Revisiting the Lamar Jackson-John Harbaugh Era in Baltimore<\/p>\n Although their tenure together ended on a rather sour note and ultimately without a Super Bowl ring, Jackson and Harbaugh were a very successful quarterback-head coach duo across eight seasons.<\/p>\n In 107 starts by Jackson, the Ravens posted a 76-31 overall record. The eight-year stretch also included four division titles and six playoff appearances. Unfortunately, the team secured just three postseason wins against five losses, which some have blamed on Jackson, while others believe the supporting cast and coaching staff were at fault.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Regardless, after eight seasons in which Jackson and the Ravens failed to reach the Super Bowl, something needed to change, and, as Schultz mentioned, Harbaugh was the odd man out.<\/p>\n In 2026, Jackson will play under a new head coach for the first time in his career. Former Chargers<\/a> defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has taken the reins, while young offensive mind Declan Doyle will lead the offense. A fresh start could be exactly what Baltimore needs as the organization looks to return to contention this season.<\/p>\n