Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns were likely keeping close tabs on the developments in Baltimore concerning Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, but he has gone from the hot seat to a future contract extension.
Harbaugh appeared to be on the hot seat but the recent success with rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson has prompted the team to reverse course.
The Ravens, who currently hold the second Wild Card and sith seed in the AFC and are 1/2 game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North race, announced Friday that Harbaugh not only will return in 2019 but the team intends to extend his contract, which currently expires after next season.
“John Harbaugh will continue as our head coach for the 2019 season, and he and we are working on an extension to his existing contract, which expires after the 2019 season,” the team’s statement said.
Harbaugh is in his 11th season in Baltimore since being hired in 2008 where he has gone 112-77, including the playoffs. The 112 wins are tied for the fourth-most in the NFL since Harbaugh was hired, trailing the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.
Harbaugh has led the Ravens, who play at the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday, to a playoff berth in six of his 10 seasons in Baltimore, and in 2012 led the Ravens to their second Super Bowl title. His 10 playoff wins are tied for the third-most by any head coach in NFL history since the 1970s merger.
The Browns are in search of their ninth full-time head coach since 1999 after firing Hue Jackson along with offensive coordinator Todd Haley Oct. 29.
Interim head coach Gregg Williams has led the Browns to a 4-2 mark since the change. Williams will interview for the job in January.
Offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, who was elevated from running backs coach, has received a lot of attention after helping rookie Baker Mayfield and the offense turn the season around. Kitchens may become a head coaching candidate with several teams expected to make changes.
Baltimore just won’t be one of them.
