John Harbaugh News Creates ‘Ideal’ Fit for Ex-Commanders Coach

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John Harbaugh getting fired by the Baltimore Ravens creates an “ideal” situation for a former Washington Commanders coach.

The Baltimore Ravens firing John Harbaugh after 18 years as head coach could turn into an “ideal” situation for a prominent former member of the Washington Commanders’ staff.

Harbaugh was sacked on Tuesday, January 6, the same day offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was let go by the Commanders. Soon after, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that “Amid recent leaguewide buzz about Kliff Kingsbury’s future, many believe Baltimore, paired with Lamar Jackson, would be an ideal landing spot for the now former Commanders offensive coordinator. That will be a name to watch.”

The decision to dump Kingsbury is said to have shocked and disappointed star quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the play-caller’s work with the dual-threat playmaker in 2024 could encourage the Ravens. They may view Kingsbury as someone able to call a ground-based offense based around run-heavy personnel designed to allow a mobile signal-caller to thrive.

That would work for the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. Especially when ownership in Baltimore is said to be open to the idea of ditching OC Todd Monken, an issue that might’ve led to Harbaugh’s dismissal.

Although Russini didn’t specify whether Kingsbury would land with the Ravens as head coach or offensive coordinator, joining a team closer to contending than the Commanders would be a swift reversal of fortunes for the deposed schemer.

That wouldn’t irk the Commanders, provided they’re able to find the right replacement.

Kliff Kingsbury Would Revive NFL Career With Ravens

Landing the top job with the Ravens would revive Kingsbury’s fortunes as a head coach in the NFL. Jackson is a deluxe version of the athletes Kingsbury’s already worked with at football’s most important position, including Daniels.

Kingsbury helped the latter win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year a season ago. It’s the same honor a certain Kyler Murray also won when Kingsbury was in charge of the Arizona Cardinals back in 2019.

Murray is another running passer, but Jackson has taken the dual-threat template up a level. He’s also relied on a power-based ground game led by two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed the benefit of running behind offensive lines overloaded by multiple tight ends and extra tackles. Kingsbury used the same concepts successfully with the Commanders.

Those things make Kingsbury a natural fit for the Ravens, but he’d need more luck than he experienced this season in Washington.

Injuries Wrecked Commanders’ Offense

Kingsbury and the Commanders were victims of circumstances to some extent during a 5-12 campaign. Losing Daniels to multiple injuries, including a dislocated elbow, undid all of their best plans.

This article will be updated…

James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko