This is all just speculation, but it may be somewhat true. For the past couple of seasons, John Harbaugh’s seat has been getting warmer and warmer. Since winning the Super Bowl in 2013, the Ravens have missed the playoffs three times, and made the playoffs just once. This is in sharp contrast to Harbaugh making the playoffs for five straight seasons from 2008 to 2012. Coupled with this postseason drought is the Ravens subpar 31-33 record since the Super Bowl. The organization has continued to stick with Harbaugh, and for good reason. It would be foolish to fire one of the best coaches in the league after just a few dismal seasons. However, if another season goes by without success, Ravens Owner Steve Biscotti will have to decide whether or not he will continue to stand by Harbaugh.
In defense of Harbaugh, the team has lacked playmakers for the past few years. The Ravens front office has been doing their best, but holes remained at some of the more important positions for the Ravens. Baltimore typically stays passive at the start of free agency, but this time around, the Ravens attacked early. They picked up explosive safety Tony Jefferson, versatile running back Danny Woodhead, re-signed dominant defensive tackle Brandon Williams, and signed veteran cornerback David Carr. The recent urgency by Ozzie Newsome and the front office seems to suggest that the Ravens organization is recognizing this season as a major turning point.
If the Ravens don’t live up to expectations this season, Harbaugh’s job will come into question once again, but this time with the serious potential of his firing. The Ravens recognize how good of a coach he is, but can’t continue to gamble with him if it is apparent he may have lost his touch in Baltimore. I see this whole offseason by the Ravens, as an attempt to save John Harbaugh, and the team that brought them their second Super Bowl victory. Frankly, the Ravens need to win next season. If not, they may end up in the hunt for a new coach, and no one knows how that would end. Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in the league, and for his sake, and the sake of the Ravens organization, the team needs to perform this year. The front office is doing their part in preserving the success of the past decade, now it’s time for the team to do their part.
