Ravens, Steelers Face Franchise-Altering Offseason Decisions
The winds of change are blowing through the AFC North, and two of the division’s most storied franchises - the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers - are right in the eye of the storm. From coaching changes to player frustrations, both teams are navigating pivotal moments that could shape their futures for years to come.
Ravens: Harbaugh Out, Jackson’s Voice In the Room - But Not at the Head of the Table
When the Ravens announced the firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh, questions naturally swirled: Did Lamar Jackson and other players have a hand in the decision? According to team owner Steve Bisciotti, the answer is no - at least not directly.
“I don’t think that the players had a large part in my decision,” Bisciotti said, making it clear he’d already made up his mind before speaking with Jackson. “By the time I got off the phone with Lamar, I had told him that my decision was pretty set.”
That conversation happened Monday night, and while Bisciotti left the door cracked for input, the wheels were already in motion. The decision, he said, came down to performance - or lack thereof - over the past decade.
“We’ve won the third-most games in the NFL in the last 10 years, and yet people were saying we were underachievers,” Bisciotti acknowledged. “We were, and we had to own that. I got to the point where I didn’t believe I’d feel regret making the decision, and that’s what instinct is.”
It’s a rare moment of transparency from ownership, and it points to a franchise that’s not just chasing wins - it’s chasing postseason success. Despite all the regular-season victories, the Ravens haven’t been able to get over the hump in January, and Bisciotti clearly felt it was time for a new direction.
As for what comes next, Lamar Jackson will have a seat at the table when it comes to hiring the next head coach - but he won’t be sitting at the head of it.
“A lot of say, but he has no power. I have the power,” Bisciotti said, drawing a firm line between input and authority.
“They have opinions, and I want them all. I care about my players very much, but I can’t give them power.”
That’s a delicate balance - giving your franchise quarterback a voice without letting him dictate the hire. But in today’s NFL, where elite QBs are the engine of everything, Jackson’s perspective will certainly carry weight.
Steelers: Freiermuth Speaks Up, Tomlin Steps Away
Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are dealing with a different kind of transition - one that’s as much about identity as it is about personnel.
Tight end Pat Freiermuth didn’t mince words when reflecting on his role this past season. “I would say I’m disappointed in the lack of opportunities I was given,” he said. That’s not just frustration - that’s a player who knows his value and wants to be more involved.
Still, Freiermuth made it clear he’s not looking for a way out. “I’m a Steeler.
I wanna be here, and I wanna see this thing through.” That kind of loyalty matters, especially as the team prepares for life after Mike Tomlin.
Yes, after years of speculation and rumors, Tomlin is stepping down - and according to reports, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had apparently been contemplating his future even before the season began, feeling the weight of outside noise and a sense that his presence may no longer be fully appreciated.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II confirmed it was Tomlin’s call to walk away. “I wasn’t shocked, but I wasn’t expecting the conversation, either,” Rooney said. “When you get to this stage of a career … you could see that coming.”
Rooney made it clear he was ready to run it back with Tomlin for another season. “I was certainly willing to take another run at it next year with Mike. That’s what I was expecting to talk about yesterday.”
But Tomlin had other plans - and according to Rooney, the decision was more about family than football. That’s a reminder that even in a results-driven business, life off the field still matters.
One wrinkle to watch: Tomlin’s departure could have ripple effects beyond the coaching staff. Rooney acknowledged that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who joined the Steelers in part to play for Tomlin, might now be reconsidering his future.
“Aaron came here to play for Mike. I think it will affect his decision,” Rooney said.
What’s Next for Two AFC North Pillars?
For both the Ravens and Steelers, this offseason isn’t just about replacing a head coach - it’s about redefining the culture and direction of the franchise.
In Baltimore, the next hire will need to mesh with a quarterback who’s already won an MVP and is still in his prime. That means more than just Xs and Os - it means leadership, trust, and a vision that aligns with Jackson’s strengths.
In Pittsburgh, the search will be about more than filling Tomlin’s shoes - it’ll be about finding someone who can command the same respect, maintain the Steelers’ trademark toughness, and bring out the best in a roster that’s shown flashes but hasn’t found consistency.
Two iconic franchises. Two open head coaching jobs. And two very different - but equally high-stakes - paths forward.
Buckle up. This AFC North offseason is just getting started.