John Harbaugh is out in Baltimore, and naturally, the fallout has centered around one of the most important relationships in the building - the one between head coach and quarterback. In this case, Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, part of the reason for Harbaugh’s dismissal was that he had “lost the locker room,” with Jackson reportedly being a key figure in that dynamic. That’s a big claim, especially considering the history these two share - a decade-plus of stability, a league MVP under center, and a reimagining of what an NFL offense can look like.
Harbaugh, now freshly hired by the New York Giants, didn’t shy away from the narrative when asked about it during a Tuesday appearance on WFAN.
“Phenomenal relationship with Lamar,” Harbaugh said. “Everything has been absolutely positive.
Ask him, he’ll tell you. We love each other.
We tell each other we love each other. He’s one of my favorite human beings.
We revolutionized offensive football with Lamar Jackson. I don’t know why that doesn’t get written about more.”
That’s a strong defense - and an emotional one. Harbaugh’s words reflect the kind of bond that goes deeper than the usual coach-player dynamic.
This wasn’t just a working relationship; it was the foundation of Baltimore’s identity over the last several years. From the moment Jackson took over as the starter, Harbaugh leaned into his quarterback’s unique skill set, helping to build an offense that broke molds and broke records.
But while Harbaugh spoke glowingly, Jackson has yet to publicly weigh in on his former coach’s departure. That silence leaves room for speculation, especially in light of the report suggesting a fractured dynamic behind the scenes. Whether or not that’s the case, the optics are hard to ignore: a franchise quarterback still in his prime, a head coach with a Super Bowl ring and over 180 career wins - and yet, the partnership has come to an end.
Harbaugh’s résumé speaks for itself. His 180 wins with the Ravens rank 14th all-time, and his 13 playoff victories tie him for seventh in league history.
That kind of success doesn’t come easy, and it certainly doesn’t come without the ability to connect with players. But in today’s NFL, relationships evolve, and sometimes even the most successful tenures run their course.
Now, Harbaugh takes over a Giants team that just wrapped up a 4-13 season. It’s a new chapter for a coach who’s seen just about everything the league can throw at him.
But make no mistake - his departure from Baltimore isn’t just another coaching change. It’s the end of an era that helped redefine how we think about quarterback play, offensive creativity, and what’s possible when a coach fully commits to the talent in front of him.
As for Jackson, all eyes will be on his next move - not just on the field, but in how he responds to the departure of the coach who helped shape his NFL journey.