Patriots Rival Reportedly ‘In Touch’ With Recently Fired John Harbaugh

All four AFC East teams currently employ a head coach, but that reportedly didn’t stop one from reaching out to John Harbaugh.

The Miami Dolphins have been “in touch” with Harbaugh since the Baltimore Ravens fired him on Tuesday, per NFL insider Josina Anderson. Dolphins ownership reportedly expressed an “affinity” for the Super Bowl champion.

There’s one major roadblock to the Dolphins hiring Harbaugh: Mike McDaniel is still their head coach.

McDaniel spent most of a disappointing 2025 campaign on the hot seat, but he appeared to save his job when the Dolphins won six of their final 10 games. The 42-year-old survived Black Monday after a 7-10 season, but it’s possible he’s not in the clear yet.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said the organization has asked general manager candidates about their coaching opinions during interviews. The Dolphins fired GM Chris Grier on Halloween amid a 2-7 start.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested Tuesday night that a team with a head coach reached out to Harbaugh. Bryan Harlan, Harbaugh’s agent, told Schefter that seven teams contacted him about Harbaugh. The Ravens are one of seven teams with a head coaching vacancy.

Harbaugh would represent a huge hire for whichever team snags him. The 2019 Coach of the Year won 193 games (playoffs included) over 18 seasons, guiding the Ravens to 12 postseason appearances.

Before worrying about him joining the division, the Patriots will prepare for his brother when they play Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers in a first-round playoff matchup on Sunday night.