Report: Ravens, John Harbaugh discussing contract extension

While Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s name continues to be tossed around for open NFL head coaching positions, his brother, John, is reportedly going to be staying put with the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Harbaugh and the Ravens are in discussions on a contract extension.

Harbaugh, who’s been the head coach in Baltimore for 14 seasons, is entering the final year on his current deal with the organization in 2022. He’s compiled a 137-88 overall record during his time with the Ravens, including an 11-8 mark in the playoffs – highlighted by a win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

The 2021 season wasn’t Baltimore’s best under Harbaugh, as the Ravens went just 8-9 overall and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Baltimore struggled on the defensive side of the ball last season, giving up 377.8 yards and 23.1 points per game – and that led to Harbaugh parting ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale last week.

Harbaugh, 59, received a salary of $9 million for the 2021 season.

Michigan defensive coordinator expected to make return to the NFL

Mike Macdonald joined Jim Harbaugh at Michigan after time with the Baltimore Ravens. As Harbaugh looked for a transformative mind to takeover the Wolverines defense, he found one in Macdonald — through his brother John’s recommendation.

However, Macdonald’s time with Michigan will be short-lived. After a fantastic season as the Wolverines defensive coordinator, he’s headed back to the NFL to takeover the Ravens defense.

“Barring a change of heart or an 11th-hour event, Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will return to Baltimore to be the Ravens’ defensive coordinator,” wrote Chris Balas of The Wolverine.

“Several sources have indicated Macdonald has spoken with Ravens coach John Harbaugh about an opening on his staff. Harbaugh released last year’s coordinator, Wink Martindale, in the offseason. He’s also closing in on an extension that will keep him in Baltimore through the mid-2020s.”

After joining Michigan via John Harbaugh’s recommendation, Macdonald proved more than capable at running a defense. Now, John is taking him back from Jim — and Michigan has a hole at defensive coordinator.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.