Report: John Harbaugh Close To Long-Term Extension With Ravens

John Harbaugh
Photo credit USA TODAY images
By WFAN.com

It has been eight days since the Todd Bowles era officially ended in New York.

The Jets fired their coach right after the team’s 38-3 loss in New England wrapped up a disappointing 4-12 season. The search for Bowles’ successor is already well underway, but one name may soon have to be crossed out if it's on their hiring wish-list.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Baltimore Ravens and John Harbaugh are close to agreeing to a long-term contract extension.

Sources: Talks between the #Ravens and coach John Harbaugh are progressing toward a long-term extension. Both sides are encouraged by where things stand, though nothing is done yet. As Harbaugh said Sunday, he’s expected to remain in Baltimore going forward.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2019

The 56-year-old has been the Ravens head coach since 2008. Harbaugh has led Baltimore to three AFC North titles and a victory in Super Bowl XLVII. On Sunday, the Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Chargers after their late comeback fell short. Lamar Jackson had a rough game, but he is still a very promising player who Harbaugh clearly wants to work with. 

There had been speculation all season that Harbaugh could be on his way out of town at the end of the campaign, and naturally that speculation led to other speculation about the Jets possibly being interested in Harbaugh for their head coaching vacancy. He was still under contract for another year, so any other interested team would have had to trade for his rights. 

The Jets didn’t get a chance to interview Harbaugh, but they have interviewed Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard, former Dolphins head coach Adam Gase and former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.