The Baltimore Ravens officially turned the page months ago, but hearing Lamar Jackson finally address the organization’s massive coaching change added another layer to the conversation. Speaking with the media for the first time since the season’s conclusion, Jackson touched on several major topics surrounding the franchise.
Predictably, questions about his contract extension surfaced immediately. Predictably, Lamar didn’t reveal much. What he did make clear, however, was that his commitment to Baltimore hasn’t changed.
Jackson said he loves the Ravens organization and reiterated that he hopes to remain with the franchise long term. That part should calm any lingering offseason noise surrounding his future. What may grab more attention, however, was his honesty regarding the firing of longtime head coach John Harbaugh.
Lamar Jackson says a Ravens coaching change caught him off guard
Jackson admitted he was “shocked” when Baltimore decided to move on from Harbaugh. That reaction feels understandable. Harbaugh wasn’t simply Lamar Jackson’s head coach. He was the coach most responsible for building an offense around Jackson’s unique skill set and helping turn him into one of the NFL’s defining superstars.
Together, they transformed Baltimore into a perennial contender while collecting MVP awards, division titles, and playoff appearances along the way. Even when frustrations mounted after another disappointing postseason exit, many still assumed Harbaugh’s standing within the organization remained secure.
Apparently, Jackson did too. To his credit, Lamar didn’t sound bitter or dramatic while discussing the move. If anything, he sounded appreciative. He wished Harbaugh well as the veteran coach begins his next chapter with the New York Giants, while also acknowledging the reality that the Ravens are entering a new era under Jesse Minter.
Lamar Jackson on John Harbaugh:
“I gotta lot of respect for Coach. I was shocked in a way. I feel like Mr. Steve did what was best for the team. I hope Coach has a great, great time in New York. Hats off to Coach because we did so much for the city, for the team, for this… pic.twitter.com/bmDZnBj8WE
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbytrosset) May 27, 2026
Jackson also spoke about why his OTA attendance mattered this offseason. Everything, according to him, feels fresh again. That makes sense considering Baltimore now features new leadership, a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, and schematic adjustments on both sides of the ball.
Jackson explained he felt a responsibility to be present during organized team activities because there’s real work to do. That alone says plenty about where his mindset is.
Lamar Jackson may have been shocked by the Ravens’ decision, but he certainly doesn’t sound disconnected from the organization afterward. If anything, his comments reinforced something Ravens fans already suspected. He’s fully invested in helping this next chapter succeed.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson said he was ‘shocked’ by Ravens decision to fire Harbaugh
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