John Harbaugh, who had been the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years, was fired by the Ravens on Tuesday following their 8-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are some instant reactions from Baltimore Beatdown staff.

Since months, I’ve felt that John Harbaugh might be fired if his Ravens failed to make the playoffs. Harbaugh failed to achieve the basic goal of the organization for the first year since 2021. His team also did not perform well, even though they won. This season, the same problems that plagued both teams in previous seasons became unsurmountable. Harbaugh’s role in the team’s struggles over the past few years is not the only one. He is, however, the most consistent. This includes his decisions in games and his management of the entire team.

All eyes are now on the Ravens head coach search. The hiring cycle this year is not as strong as the one last year, but Baltimore’s vacant position will likely be among the most sought-after in the league. This should give Steve Bisciotti, Eric DeCosta and their preferred candidates a good chance to land them. – Nikhil Mehta

Wow. Wow. John Harbaugh is the only coach that I have known since I followed the Ravens. This feels strange. It was time. Harbaugh has been a respected coach in the NFL for many years and helped to build a great Baltimore culture. However, Steve Bisciotti, Eric DeCosta, and the fans felt that Harbaugh’s time was up. Next year will mark a new era for Ravens football, and this should be the most sought-after coaching position. This is something that would have been better done after the 2023 campaign when Mike MacDonald was in charge. What direction will Baltimore take? Offensive-minded coach, defensive-minded? It is almost certain that this will also be the end for either Todd Monken or Zach Orr’s tenure in Baltimore. There are so many questions. But it should be an exciting offseason for Baltimore. – Stephen Bopst

I am stunned. Although I knew the end was near after a disappointing year and a heartbreaking last game, this decision surprised me, especially since it came so quickly.

This was the only way to go forward for Eric DeCosta, and the Ravens. I’m completely scrambled. In an ideal world, Ravens would’ve made this decision years ago when there were better offensive coaches available. Zach Orr is likely to be out of a job as well if this move goes through. Todd Monken may also be leaving, according to reports. This is unprecedented for a franchise that prides itself on its stability. Mark Myers

I’m actually surprised that the Ravens pulled it off. It’s a bittersweet moment. John Harbaugh, who has been my constant football coach for nearly two decades, will be missed. He won’t have any trouble finding a job, and he will do well anywhere he goes. But it was time to make a change. You can only bang your brain against a brick wall so many times before you try a different approach.

It’s a great time to be a Ravens supporter. This roster could be reenergized by a new coach as they strive to win the Super Bowl, while Lamar Jackson remains in his prime. After a move of this magnitude, I would expect both coordinators to be gone. This move should propel him to the top of the list for the next head coach position available. I am excited about what lies ahead for this team. I want to thank Harbaugh, too, for all the great memories and moments he created during his tenure here. Dustin Cox

It’s unbelievable. After such a bad season, it was to be expected. No matter how bad things get, 18 years of marriage can be difficult to end. The Ravens seemed to be seriously considering keeping him, and making only minor changes at the coordinator level. Harbaugh is the one who will be first to go. It’s a huge day if you take a step back. Harbaugh was here for almost two decades, and a major part of Ravens culture. After the Super Bowl in 2000, he helped the Ravens recover from years of mediocrity. The Ravens were a team whose games mattered right up until the end. Harbaugh’s success in Baltimore is one of the reasons that many teams haven’t been able to say they had such success for over 20 years.

It was time to move forward. Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ quarterback. The lack of success in the playoffs with just one appearance in a championship game over eight years shows that they are underachieving. The playoffs are not enough. The cumulative effect of years of losing fourth-quarter lead and making mistakes has accumulated beyond any one season, coordinator, or player. The head coach will be scrutinized at some point. I believe that Harbaugh’s decision to hire Zach Orr was because he wasn’t prepared and he missed the playoffs. The search for a brand new era in Ravens football has begun. Baltimore will be a home to names such as Brian Flores and Robert Saleh. – Zach Canter

John Harbaugh being fired is a bizarre moment. It almost seemed as if Harbaugh was guaranteed a job in Baltimore despite the rampant speculations and discussions that surrounded his status over the last few years. Steve Biscotti, the owner of the Ravens, made the decision to fire the captain who has led the team for 18 years. It was a risky but necessary move. Harbaugh led the Ravens to nearly two decades of winning football. This was highlighted by a Super Bowl win and many other memorable victories. Fans should remember his entire tenure fondly.

The Ravens have been unable to overcome the hurdle in the past few seasons, and some of their most talented teams in franchise history have had to exit the playoffs early. The Ravens’ recurring mistakes and bad habits continue to fester. The Ravens must have a fresh voice and vision to maximize Lamar Jackson’s remaining prime years. It is difficult to bring in a new coach, along with other coaches who are fresh, and compete for the super bowl immediately. There are many notable candidates who would be good fits for Baltimore. (If only Mike Macdonald were on the market). John Harbaugh is leaving and we thank you for your memories. Here’s to the new era in Ravens football. — Frank Platko