When John Harbaugh was fired by the Ravens after their final-week loss to the Steelers, he released an official statement. The organization thanked him for his 18 years in Baltimore. But those statements skipped the mention of the owner, Steve Bisciotti, and the true heart of Baltimore: the passionate Ravens Flock.

Former head coach finally spoke directly to Bisciotti 18 days after his dismissal. He took out a full-page ad in today’s Baltimore Sun, thanking the fans and the community. Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun shared the news on X. In the ad, Harbaugh didn’t hold back. He gave a direct shout-out to Bisciotti.

“To Steve Bisciotti: Thank you for creating an environment rooted in maintaining a standard of excellence,” Harbaugh’s words read in the ad.

Harbaugh was hired by Bisciotti in 2008 with a clear vision to lift the team from the previous 5-11 season under Brian Billick. At the time of the hiring, Bisciotti made it clear he didn’t want to put “added pressure” on Harbaugh as a rookie head coach. He even turned to the media and fans, asking them to show patience and support.

“I just hope our fans are kind to him. I hope the local media treats him as if he were your brother. Give him a break – it’s high pressure, high profile. For everyone of you – if it were your brother or your brother-in-law — you’d want to give him benefit of the doubt and give it a chance,” Bisciotti said back then.

That same protective spirit came full circle in Bisciotti’s reasoning for parting ways with Harbaugh after this 8-9 season that missed the playoffs. The owner pointed to the growing criticism aimed at his long-time coach as a key factor in the tough decision.

“I couldn’t stand people attacking my friend,” Bisciotti said. “Some of the stuff that they talked about with John ate me alive…I get to relieve John of all that crap, too, and John gets to start anew.”

Bisciotti made it clear that his bond with Harbaugh runs deep. He declared they would remain “friends forever,” adding that he “loves John like a brother.”

Harbaugh gave nearly two decades of his life to Baltimore, compiling a 180-113 regular-season record that stands as the best mark by any head coach in franchise history. Yet the Ravens chose to move on, and so has the former coach. Still, he made sure to give Baltimore the goodbye it truly deserved.

John Harbaugh’s final message to Maryland

John Harbaugh began his coaching journey alongside his father, Jack Harbaugh, at the University of Michigan. After a few years as special teams coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, he landed in Baltimore. The second-longest-tenured active head coach at the time of his departure poured his heart out, recalling his fondest memories with the fans of the city.

“When Ingrid, Alison and I arrived in Baltimore, we knew that we were joining a football organization. What we couldn’t have fully known then was that we were becoming part of a city, a culture, and a community that is bonded together by a shared sense of strength and unity,” Harbaugh wrote.

Top Stories

Chiefs Threaten Kansas Exit Over $3 Billion Dispute as Clark Hunt & Ownership Demand a ‘Landlord’ for New Stadium

Chiefs Officially Cut Ties With Super Bowl–Winning Coach as Travis Kelce Could Delay Retirement With Ex-Coach’s Return

Former Eagles & Raiders Star Found Dead Near LA Homeless Camp as Homicide Investigation Begins

Cowboys Legend Michael Irvin Breaks Silence on Controversial Allegations After Wild Belt-Whipping Celebration

Shedeur Sanders Receives Concerning Browns QB Update as Cleveland Predicted to Land Bernie Kosar ‘Regen’

“From the first time I walked onto the field at The Bank, it was clear this place was different. Ravens football is different… the standard is high, the values are second to none, and the meaning of it all transcends the white lines. You see it in the way this city shows up on Sundays, in the way it supports its players, and in the way Ravens fans represent the shield everywhere they go.”

Under Harbaugh, the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII and reached the playoffs 11 times. The former coach said “THANK YOU” in all caps to the players who suited up with him over the years, calling it “one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life.”

Harbaugh was always known as a private person who kept his personal life close. But he made sure his last message as a Raven went straight to the heart of the city, praising its “grit, resilience and authenticity” as unmatched anywhere else.

The head coach bid farewell to Baltimore with a simple, powerful message. “Thank you, Baltimore. Thank you, Ravens Flock.”