BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 18: Head Coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens plan to speak with head coach John Harbaugh about a contract extension, but those discussions are yet to begin.
On Friday, the Ravens released a short statement that John Harbaugh would return in 2019 inches current role. Despite reports to the contrary, contract talks have not begun according to a FanSided source, although they are expected to take place next week.
Harbaugh is currently planning to honor his contract, although that remains fluid. The Super Bowl-winning head coach is expecting a three-year extension at minimum with a salary of $10 million per year. This would put him in the range of Pete Carroll, who signed to stay on with the Seahawks through 2021 at a $11 AAV.
An extension for Harbaugh would certainly be a departure from recent rhetoric. In February, owner Steve Bisciotti openly talked about his consideration of firing Harbaugh after last season. In early November, rumors once again surfaced that Harbaugh was likely on the way out of Charm City.
Should Harbaugh feel slighted by extension talks and decide to move on, he would certainly be an attractive candidate for other teams. The Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals are all expected to be hiring. Considering his resume, Harbaugh would be the near or at the top of most lists.
Baltimore is currently leading the AFC North at 9-6, spurred on by a masterful coaching performance that included sticking with Lamar Jackson over a healthy Joe Flacco. On Saturday, the Ravens pulled off an upset against the Los Angeles Chargers, putting them in the division lead for the first time since October. Baltimore can clinch the North on Sunday with a win over the Browns at M&T Bank Stadium.