John Harbaugh may decline extension from Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh seems to be on the cusp of completing his first trip back to the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens since 2014.

The obstacle certainly isn’t an easy one. Something odd to say about the Cleveland Browns. Yet things change. That team is playing much better football and the Ravens will need to bring their best if they’re going to ensure the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t steal it out from under them like so many times in the past. They’ll do it how they’ve done for months.

Harbaugh, out of desire or necessity or both changed the entire team approach over a month ago when rookie Lamar Jackson became the starting quarterback. It involved revamping the entire offense into a ground-and-pound attack almost exclusively built to run the ball using Jackson’s unique mobility. Can’t say it hasn’t worked either.

Baltimore leads the NFL in rushing by a wide margin since that change and they’re 4-1 during their stretch with the only loss being in overtime in Kansas City. It’s little wonder announcements were made by the organization that Harbaugh would not be going anywhere after this season. His coaching job down the stretch has been masterful.

However, he’s not letting it blind him to reality.

Harbaugh not ready to recommit to the Ravens long-term just yet

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Peter King of NBC Sports believes the veteran coach is more than willing to play his current contract out rather than sign an extension. The idea being that he either hits it big and gets a lucrative long-term extension or he’s permitted to move on in 2020 with an idea that other teams will have significant interest.

"“There’s a real chance that Harbaugh, 56, will not sign an extension, but rather coach his final season and take his chance on the market in 2020—or sign back with the Ravens. It could be a lot like the Joe Flacco situation in 2012, when he wouldn’t sign long-term with Baltimore and gambled that he’d win big in the last year of his contract. He did. The Ravens won the Super Bowl, and Flacco earned a $20-million-a-year contract. Why should Harbaugh sign now? Since that Super Bowl win, the Ravens are 50-47, with only one playoff win. He’s won a Super Bowl, but since then, the Ravens haven’t won anything. I believe he wants to stay in Baltimore but wouldn’t be heartbroken if he had to move on.”"

It’s not hard to understand his thinking. Harbaugh isn’t over the hill as coaches go. His experience and track record at building a culture and creating a consistent winning environment would be in high demand for plenty of other teams. There’s also the lingering concern of whether or not this style of offense is sustainable with Jackson.

Sure it’s working now, but running quarterbacks tend not to last long in the NFL. He hasn’t shown many signs of developing as a professional passer. Unless that changes in the next year, Harbaugh may decide to get out rather than play out the string with a QB who may not have a bright future.

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