Some believe John Harbaugh is overrated, pointing to playoff inconsistencies and questionable game decisions despite regular-season success with the Ravens.

John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens since 2008, is widely respected in the NFL for his tenure, leadership, and regular-season success. Under his guidance, the Ravens have made the playoffs multiple times, won Super Bowl XLVII, and established a strong defensive identity that has permeated through the franchise’s culture. However, despite his successes, there are critics who claim that Harbaugh is one of the most overrated coaches in the NFL. These critics point to inconsistencies in playoff performances, questionable in-game decisions, and other factors that make Harbaugh’s overall coaching legacy appear less stellar than it might seem at first glance.

In this article, we will examine the arguments from those who believe John Harbaugh is overrated, contrasting them with his accomplishments to determine whether or not the critique holds weight. Let’s break down the aspects that shape Harbaugh’s reputation and assess whether he truly deserves the title of an “overrated” coach in the NFL.

John Harbaugh’s Career Overview

Harbaugh’s journey to the NFL head coaching ranks began as a special teams coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. After a lengthy career as an assistant, he became the Ravens’ head coach in 2008. Harbaugh’s hiring was initially met with a mix of optimism and skepticism, as he was replacing the beloved Brian Billick, who had won a Super Bowl with the team but had also endured some difficult seasons towards the end of his tenure. Harbaugh was tasked with bringing stability to a team that was coming off a disappointing playoff loss.

From the outset, Harbaugh’s teams demonstrated toughness and resilience. In his first season, the Ravens made it to the AFC Championship game, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a close contest. Over the years, Harbaugh’s Ravens became known for their hard-hitting defense and their emphasis on special teams, where Harbaugh had previously earned his reputation. He also succeeded in developing a potent running game that relied on the unique talents of quarterback Joe Flacco, whom he led to a Super Bowl victory in 2012.

Under Harbaugh, the Ravens experienced consistent regular-season success, making the playoffs a total of ten times in 13 seasons through 2020. However, despite this success, the criticism of Harbaugh’s coaching abilities remains in the form of inconsistent playoff performances and certain tactical decisions that have left fans and analysts questioning his true value as a coach.

The Playoff Inconsistencies

One of the central criticisms of John Harbaugh’s coaching career is his team’s inability to consistently perform in the playoffs. While the Ravens have made the postseason in many of his seasons, they have often fallen short of their goals. Harbaugh has reached the AFC Championship game twice—once in his first year as head coach in 2008 and again in 2012. He also won Super Bowl XLVII, which helped cement his reputation as one of the league’s top coaches. However, despite these playoff appearances, the Ravens have had several early exits in recent years, which raises the question: why has Harbaugh struggled to get his team over the hump in crucial moments?

Unreliable Playoff Performances

The Ravens’ struggles in the postseason have been particularly noticeable in the last few seasons. Despite having a star quarterback in Lamar Jackson, who was the 2019 NFL MVP, the Ravens have failed to make a deep playoff run. Jackson, who has developed into one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL, has faced considerable criticism for his own playoff performances. However, Harbaugh’s role in these playoff losses is equally scrutinized.

For instance, in 2020, the Ravens had a strong regular season and entered the playoffs with high expectations, only to be knocked out by the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. While Jackson had an injury and struggled in the game, there were numerous missed opportunities, such as a failed two-point conversion and questionable play-calling decisions. This loss highlighted some of the issues in Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy—issues that have been recurring in his postseason career.

Even in 2018, when the Ravens lost to the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild card round, there were concerns over Harbaugh’s game management. The Ravens had a 6-1 record with Lamar Jackson as the starting quarterback, but the game plan and Harbaugh’s decisions to put the ball in Jackson’s hands in certain situations led to offensive stagnation, culminating in a loss.

The Lamar Jackson Dilemma

Lamar Jackson’s playoff failures have been a major talking point when discussing John Harbaugh’s legacy. Some critics argue that Harbaugh has not been able to adjust his offense to suit Jackson’s skill set in the postseason. The Ravens’ offensive system, which is heavily reliant on the running game and a solid defense, works well in the regular season but falters in the postseason when the team faces high-powered offenses. Harbaugh has often been criticized for not effectively adjusting to Jackson’s unique skill set in big moments.

While Jackson’s running ability and playmaking can make the Ravens a dynamic team, Harbaugh has not yet been able to make the necessary adjustments to beat elite defenses in high-pressure games. This is where Harbaugh’s coaching shortcomings become more evident. In recent years, while Jackson has had regular-season success, his inability to elevate his play in the postseason has cast a shadow over Harbaugh’s legacy.

Questionable Game Decisions

Another aspect of Harbaugh’s coaching that has raised eyebrows over the years is his in-game decision-making. The Ravens’ head coach is known for his aggressive play-calling, particularly on fourth downs. While this has led to some memorable successes, it has also backfired in critical moments.

For example, Harbaugh’s decision to go for a two-point conversion in a game against the Green Bay Packers in 2021 backfired after Lamar Jackson was unable to convert. While this decision had its merits in terms of strategy, it also highlighted Harbaugh’s tendency to rely too heavily on aggressive calls without considering the full scope of risk involved.

Similarly, Harbaugh’s decision to attempt a two-point conversion against the Steelers in 2021, which ultimately resulted in a loss, raised questions. Some fans and analysts believed the decision to go for two points rather than taking the extra point was premature, considering the Ravens’ solid defense and the fact that they were trailing by a single point.

These types of decisions, while not always leading to defeat, have added to the notion that Harbaugh may not always make the best tactical choices in high-pressure moments. Many believe that a coach who excels in both regular season and postseason play should have the ability to make adjustments, not just in terms of the game plan, but in real-time decisions when the outcome is on the line.

Regular-Season Success

While Harbaugh has faced criticism for his playoff inconsistencies, there’s no denying that he has built a strong foundation for the Ravens in the regular season. Harbaugh’s coaching philosophy emphasizes toughness, discipline, and a commitment to defense and special teams. This has resulted in numerous playoff appearances, as well as the development of a roster that consistently competes in the AFC North.

The Ravens have ranked among the NFL’s top teams in terms of run defense and special teams under Harbaugh’s leadership. His ability to craft a team that thrives in these areas is indicative of his coaching expertise. In the regular season, the Ravens are often a reliable contender, regularly finishing with double-digit wins, even when facing key injuries.

Harbaugh’s greatest success as a coach remains the Super Bowl win in 2012, a crowning achievement that marked the peak of his tenure. Although the team has struggled to replicate that success in recent years, Harbaugh’s ability to get his teams to the postseason year after year is a testament to his leadership and coaching acumen.

The Argument Against Harbaugh Being Overrated

Despite the playoff inconsistencies and questionable in-game decisions, there are several reasons why John Harbaugh’s critics may be unfairly labeling him as “overrated.” The main argument against this perception revolves around his ability to adapt his game plans to the unique talents of his players, his consistency in the regular season, and his leadership in a highly competitive division.

While Harbaugh has not won another Super Bowl since 2012, it is also true that the Ravens have been highly competitive, often facing teams with more prolific offenses. Harbaugh’s success in building a defense-first team has allowed him to remain relevant in an era that emphasizes offensive firepower. Furthermore, his work with Lamar Jackson has proven successful in the regular season, with Jackson’s MVP award in 2019 being a testament to both the player’s talent and Harbaugh’s ability to unlock that talent.

In terms of leadership, Harbaugh has earned the respect of his players and has remained a stabilizing force for the Ravens organization throughout his tenure. A coach who can maintain success year after year in a division as competitive as the AFC North deserves recognition for his ability to build and sustain success.