Miami Dolphins and John Harbaugh not likely with Ravens trade
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins interest in Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh may never have really gotten off the ground.
Speculation that the Miami Dolphins would make a play for Raven head coach John Harbaugh has been a hot topic for more than a week but the Ravens now appear ready to stand on their commitment to the coach as they stated in week 15.
Harbaugh and the Ravens, while not close, are working on a long-term contract to keep the coach in Baltimore beyond the 2019 season. His contract runs out after next year.
The Dolphins earlier today reportedly were going to talk to the Ravens about making a trade for the coach but compensation may have been an issue. The Ravens were reportedly asking or would be asking for at least one if not two, first round draft picks. None of that was officially confirmed or if the Dolphins ever so much as made the phone call.
Sources: Talks between the #Ravens and coach John Harbaugh are progressing toward a long-term extension. Both sides are encouraged by where things stand, though nothing is done yet. As Harbaugh said Sunday, he’s expected to remain in Baltimore going forward.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2019
The Dolphins were scheduled to meet early this week with Vic Fangio but that has now been cancelled.
With Fangio and Harbaugh out of the picture the Dolphins could have someone in mind or they are ready to move on to the second round of interviews. They are still scheduled to interview Darren Rizzi later this week.
Harbaugh would have been the top choice for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross who is a big fan of the family. If he truly wants a Harbaugh to coach his best option would be to hand the team over to Rizzi this year and potentially through 2020 to really see what Jim Harbaugh’s long-term thoughts are and then make a decision based on Rizzi’s ability to coach.
If Ross goes in another direction and Jim Harbaugh decides to return to the NFL next year, Ross will miss out yet again on potentially adding the coach he covets.