Ravens Pro Bowlers Express Gratitude Toward Former HC John Harbaugh

Several key players reflect on their time with the longtime Ravens coach after his surprising dismissal.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of purple, gold, and grey, conveying the transition and change within the Ravens organization.The Ravens' surprising coaching change marks the end of an era, as the team's star players reflect on their time with the departing John Harbaugh.Cleveland Today

Several Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl players, including wide receiver Zay Flowers, tight end Mark Andrews, and safety Kyle Hamilton, expressed shock and gratitude towards former head coach John Harbaugh after his surprising firing following the 2025 season. The players praised Harbaugh's leadership, character, and the success they achieved under his 18-year tenure, even as the team missed the playoffs that year. With Harbaugh now joining the New York Giants' coaching staff, the Ravens are excited to embark on a new era under new head coach Jesse Minter.

Why it matters

Harbaugh's dismissal after nearly two decades as the Ravens' head coach was unexpected, given the team's history of stability and the players' clear affection for him. His departure marks the end of an era in Baltimore and the start of a new chapter, with the Pro Bowl players reflecting on his impact and legacy while looking ahead to the future under new leadership.

The details

Several key Ravens players, including wide receiver Zay Flowers, tight end Mark Andrews, and safety Kyle Hamilton, were shocked by Harbaugh's firing after the 2025 season, in which the team missed the playoffs despite high preseason expectations. The players praised Harbaugh's character, leadership, and the success they achieved under his 18-year tenure, with Andrews becoming the franchise's all-time leader in several receiving categories. While the players are excited for the next era under new head coach Jesse Minter, they also expressed gratitude and respect for Harbaugh, who is now joining the coaching staff of the New York Giants, reuniting with several former Ravens players.

  • Harbaugh was fired as the Ravens' head coach after the 2025 season.
  • The players were informed of Harbaugh's dismissal in early 2026, during the offseason program.

The players

Zay Flowers

A two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who played under Harbaugh for three seasons.

Mark Andrews

A three-time Pro Bowl tight end who became the Ravens' all-time leader in several receiving categories under Harbaugh's coaching.

Kyle Hamilton

A three-time All-Pro safety who was drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 2022 and played the last four seasons under Harbaugh.

John Harbaugh

The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who was fired after the 2025 season despite leading the team for 18 years.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, taking over after Harbaugh's dismissal.

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What they’re saying

“We were shocked that happened. [I] was under him for three years, appreciate that he came and got me and we did what we did so now I'm excited for him [and] his new job over at the [New York] Giants.”

— Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver

“I was blessed to be able to be drafted in 2018 and have coach Harbaugh and be with him for these last eight years and I take incredible pride in the product that we put out and probably just the man that he is. I'm incredibly grateful to him and this organization.”

— Mark Andrews, Tight End

“You think about coach Harbs and everything that we've done and been through and the person that he is, you got to recognize and respect that. I will forever have love and respect for him. He's someone I can call at anytime and just talk to because that's the kind of person he is.”

— Mark Andrews, Tight End

“You start thinking about all the personal moments you had and I'm excited for him and excited for us. I think he's got a good opportunity up there in New York.”

— Kyle Hamilton, Safety

“We're all excited. We all got new opportunities to start over.”

— Zay Flowers, Wide Receiver

What’s next

The Ravens will hold their first offseason program under new head coach Jesse Minter in the coming weeks, as the players look to adapt to the team's new direction following Harbaugh's departure.

The takeaway

Harbaugh's firing after nearly two decades as the Ravens' head coach was a surprising move, but the team's Pro Bowl players expressed deep gratitude and respect for his leadership and the success they achieved together. As the Ravens embark on a new era, the players are excited for the future while reflecting on Harbaugh's lasting impact on the franchise.