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NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy spoke out in response to the Baltimore Ravens’ recent firing of coach John Harbaugh.
In an X post Tuesday, Dungy praised Harbaugh and said he doesn’t “understand” the decision to fire him.
“I can’t believe what things have come to in the NFL. John Harbaugh coached the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years. He took them to the playoffs 12 times. He won a Super Bowl for them. The last 4 years they were 10-7, 13-4, 12-5, 8-9,” Dungy wrote.
“They made the playoffs 3 years in a row and missed out this year because their kicker missed the game winning FG on the last play of the season. And he got fired???? I’m sorry but I don’t understand. Good luck Baltimore finding a better coach.”
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Former NFL coach Tony Dungy on the sideline during a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Harbaugh’s firing came two days after the Ravens failed to secure the AFC North title and lost a winner-take-all game against Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 when rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a game-winning field goal.
“After an extensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I have decided to make a head coaching change,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said. “Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the deep respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity.”
The Ravens also sent a statement from Harbaugh.
“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today. It certainly comes with disappointment, but more with gratitude and appreciation,” Harbaugh said.
BROWNS FOUR HEAD COACH KEVIN STEFANSKI AFTER SIX SEASONS
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jabrill Peppers (40) reacts after Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) missed a field goal attempt in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
“Gratitude to the owner and organization that was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark on Special Teams success. A hard thing to do… and appreciation for all those moments, all these years etched into eternity. I hope a legacy built on faith, always fighting, always believing.”
Harbaugh is quickly becoming the top head coaching candidate for teams looking to fill their own vacancies. These teams include New York GiantsAtlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.
Harbaugh owned a 180-113 record and a 13-11 postseason record during his 18 seasons with the franchise. He led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in the 2012 season after going 10-6.
Harbaugh, brother of Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, has the most road playoff wins in NFL history and shows his pedigree when the game matters most.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh walks onto the field prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Through his 18 seasons, Harbaugh has only had a losing record three times, with his worst mark being the 2015 5-11 campaign. The other two were 8-9 seasons in 2021 and 2025.
Harbaugh posted double-digit wins in 11 of those 18 seasons, including three straight from 2022-24.
