Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti broke his long-standing media silence with a candid hour-long press conference that revealed the emotional behind-the-scenes details of his decision to fire head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. In a stunning series of admissions, Bisciotti explained that his "instincts" told him it was time for a change, outlined his plans to involve franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson in the coaching search, and set a March deadline for a new contract extension that would significantly lower Jackson’s massive $74.5 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
How the Harbaugh Era Ended: Inside Bisciotti's Tough Decision
Near the end of what he called a "riveting and revealing" press conference, Bisciotti summed up his heart-wrenching decision to part ways with the winningest coach in franchise history. "I just hope you respect me enough to know that 100%, my instincts told me that this was the time," Bisciotti said. "I may be right, I may be wrong, but I did it because I'm in charge of doing it." The owner described the firing as "the most difficult decision that we made," but emphasized that the Ravens' recent trajectory—from hosting the AFC Championship Game in 2023, to losing in the divisional round in 2024, to missing the playoffs entirely in 2025—made the change necessary.
Bisciotti revealed the personal toll of the decision, admitting he had to fire Harbaugh over the phone because the coach had already left the team facility when the owner made his final choice. "I never dreamed of firing somebody by phone," Bisciotti said. "But the reality is, when I made my decision on Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 6), I was home and he was in his car heading to his house." The conversation was emotional, but typical of their relationship: "I was the one choked up; he was the one consoling me," Bisciotti shared. The two spoke again two days later and ended on what Bisciotti called "great terms," with Harbaugh even offering advice about the Ravens' future.
Timeline: How the Ravens Reached This Crossroads
The sequence of events that led to Harbaugh's dismissal began with the Ravens' disappointing 8-9 season that ended with a 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular-season finale. That loss eliminated Baltimore from playoff contention and marked the team's first losing season since 2021. Bisciotti said he woke up the day after that game "almost certain" he would make a coaching change, but he had actually first discussed the possibility with General Manager Eric DeCosta three or four weeks earlier.
The owner pointed to repeated fourth-quarter collapses over recent seasons—including blown leads against Buffalo and New England this year—as evidence that the team was underachieving. "People were saying we were underachievers. We were," Bisciotti acknowledged. "And we had to own that." He consulted with several players, including Lamar Jackson, after the season ended before making his final decision. The firing became official on January 6, 2026, ending an 18-year partnership that included a Super Bowl XLVII victory.
Why This Decision Matters for the Ravens' Future
Bisciotti's move represents one of the most significant coaching changes in recent NFL history, breaking up one of the league's longest-tenured coach-owner partnerships. The decision comes at a critical juncture for the franchise, which boasts a talented roster built around former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson but has failed to reach the Super Bowl since their 2012 championship run. Since drafting Jackson in 2018, the Ravens have won 86 regular-season games—tied for second-most in an eight-season span without a Super Bowl appearance—but have fallen short in the postseason.
"When we fail, we all fail together," Bisciotti said, spreading responsibility for the team's decline. "You can't say the timing is perfect in anything, but I got to the point where I didn't believe that I would feel regret after I made that decision. That's what instinct is." The owner's transparency during his press conference—his first at the Ravens' facility in eight years—was praised by media observers and signaled a new approach for an organization that had maintained remarkable stability for nearly two decades.
Where Things Stand Now: Coaching Search and Jackson's Contract
The Ravens have moved quickly into their coaching search, having already interviewed Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Broncos pass game coordinator Davis Webb, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and several other candidates. Bisciotti said the team will narrow the list to four or five finalists for a second round of interviews at their facility.
Crucially, Bisciotti wants Jackson involved in that final selection process. "I said to Lamar last night, when they call me up from Florida, you better get your ass up here, too," Bisciotti told reporters. The owner even offered his private plane to fly Jackson to Baltimore for the meetings. "He has a lot of say, but he has no power," Bisciotti clarified. "I have the power. I care about my players very much, but I can't give them power."
Meanwhile, Bisciotti has set an urgent deadline for Jackson's contract situation. He told reporters he wants a new deal done by the start of free agency in March to significantly lower Jackson's $74.5 million cap number for 2026. "The urgency of that matters to me because we've got free agents and I don't want to go into free agency with that hanging over our head," Bisciotti explained. Jackson, 29, is under contract for three more years, but his cap hit would account for 25% of the team's salary cap next season. Bisciotti said he's "hoping that it's plug a new number in the same contract he signed last year and move on."
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Baltimore
The Ravens face a pivotal offseason with their first coaching search in 18 years coinciding with critical contract negotiations with their franchise quarterback. Bisciotti made clear he has high expectations for the next chapter: "It was a wonderful, wonderful marriage," he said of his time with Harbaugh. "We accomplished great things. The next coach we get, I want him to be a Super Bowl-winning coach, too." The owner's comments about Mike Tomlin—who stepped down as Steelers coach during Bisciotti's press conference—suggest he's thinking ambitiously about potential candidates, though he deferred to DeCosta on specific names.
With the coaching carousel in full swing and Jackson's contract situation looming, the Ravens must move quickly to maintain their competitive window. Bisciotti's decisive action and transparent explanation have set a new direction for the franchise, but the true test will come in the months ahead as Baltimore attempts to return to championship contention with a new coach and a restructured quarterback contract.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
Steve Bisciotti's press conference provided unprecedented insight into one of the NFL's most significant coaching changes in years. The owner fired John Harbaugh based on instinct and the team's declining performance, wants Lamar Jackson involved in selecting the next coach, and is pushing for a new Jackson contract by March. The Ravens' coaching search is underway with multiple candidates interviewed, while Jackson's $74.5 million cap hit creates urgency for a restructured deal. After 18 years of stability, Baltimore enters a new era with its owner taking center stage to explain the difficult decisions that will shape the franchise's future.
