Former US President Donald Trump has publicly entered the fray of the NFL's annual coaching shuffle, issuing a forceful endorsement for one of the league's most newly available and experienced head coaches.
End of an Era in Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens made the seismic decision to part ways with their long-serving head coach, John Harbaugh, late on Tuesday afternoon. This move brought an end to a remarkable 18-season tenure that defined an era for the franchise.
Harbaugh's legacy in Baltimore is cemented by his victory in Super Bowl XLVII during the 2012 season. However, the organisation has not managed to return to the sport's grandest stage since that triumph. The decision to dismiss Harbaugh followed a challenging and tumultuous 8-9 season, which concluded with the team missing the playoffs entirely.
A Presidential Endorsement on Social Media
On Wednesday morning, Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to weigh in on the developing coaching market. In a characteristically emphatic post, the former President championed Harbaugh's credentials.
He wrote, 'HIRE JOHN HARBAUGH, FAS. HE, AND HIS BROTHER, ARE TOTAL WINNERS!!! President DJT'. The message was a clear call for NFL teams with vacancies to act swiftly to secure the coach's services, while also drawing a favourable comparison to his brother, Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh's Record and the Open Market
With his release from the Ravens, John Harbaugh instantly becomes one of the most coveted names in the current NFL coaching carousel. His extensive track record is compelling: across his 18 seasons in Baltimore, he led the team to the playoffs 12 times, amassing a postseason record of 18 wins and 14 losses.
Despite this consistent success, a hurdle remained in the form of the AFC Championship game, where his record stood at 1-3; his last appearance at that stage was in 2023. As of Wednesday, several franchises are searching for new leadership. The teams with confirmed head coach vacancies include:
- Baltimore Ravens
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Atlanta Falcons
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- Las Vegas Raiders
It is not yet known which of these organisations Harbaugh will formally interview with, but his pedigree ensures he will be a serious candidate for multiple roles. The public backing from a figure like Donald Trump, while unconventional in the sports world, adds a fascinating new dimension to his free agency.
