John Harbaugh Is Reportedly Spending The Next Few Days Scouting 2 Young NFL Quarterbacks As He Decides Which Team He’ll Coach Next
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
John Harbaugh didn’t waste any time after losing his job.
Just days after the Ravens fired him in a short phone call, Harbaugh went back to work. He returned to the film room. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, he plans to spend the next few days watching tape on Titans quarterback Cam Ward and Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
She said, “John Harbaugh is spending today and the next few days watching film specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. He’s also been in contact with team decision makers, while continuing to communicate with potential members of his own coaching staff.”
That choice says a lot. Harbaugh is the biggest name expected to hit the 2026 coaching market. Teams noticed right away. His early focus on young quarterbacks suggests what he may be looking for in his next job.
Baltimore fired Harbaugh on Tuesday, one day after the league’s usual Black Monday. The decision surprised many across the NFL. Harbaugh spent 18 years with the Ravens and made it one of the league’s most consistent teams.
He finished with a 180-113 record as head coach and also took the Ravens to the playoffs 12 times. Harbaugh also won Super Bowl XLVII, beating his brother Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans.
Harbaugh’s Interest Points To Giants And Titans
Russini reported Saturday that Harbaugh plans to watch film on Ward and Dart. Both quarterbacks just finished their rookie seasons. Moreover, both also play for teams that currently need a head coach. That should be kept in mind.
John Harbaugh is spending today and the next few days watching film specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. He’s also been in contact with team decision makers, while continuing to communicate with potential members of his own coaching staff.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 10, 2026
Ward started 17 games for the Titans. He averaged about 186 passing yards per game. He threw 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions and finished with an 80.2 passer rating. Dart started 12 games for the Giants after they drafted him 25th overall in 2025. He averaged 162 yards per game, threw 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, and posted a 91.7 passer rating.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Giants and Titans are two of Harbaugh’s most realistic landing spots. He added that seven teams have already reached out for interviews. Those teams include the Falcons, Cardinals, Browns, Raiders, Dolphins, Giants, and Titans.
Quarterbacks are a big factor. The Raiders own the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft and could take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner. Atlanta has talent but continues to deal with uneven play from Michael Penix Jr. Arizona, Miami, and Cleveland all have issues at quarterback.
Looking only at the quarterback situation, the Giants, Raiders, and Titans appear to offer the most upside. Harbaugh’s film study suggests he sees it the same way, at least for now.
Breer said Harbaugh will begin interviews next week. Until then, he plans to keep watching tape. That alone offers a clear hint about where he might coach next.
