The Baltimore Ravens announced a three-year contract extension with head coach John Harbaugh, tying him to the franchise through the 2028 season.

Harbaugh, 62, is the winningest head coach in Ravens history, reason enough for this deal to have been the subject of speculation and anticipation for a long time.

He was entering the final year of his contract in 2025 and now stands as arguably the most important preseason signing for the Ravens.

Harbaugh has tried to downplay the urgency, having recently stated: “That takes care of itself”.

Now, as he prepares for his 18th season in charge of the Ravens, those issues have already been resolved.

Since John Harbaugh took over in 2008, the Ravens have a 172-104 regular season record and 13-11 postseason record, and the high point, of course, came when Harbaugh led the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII while coaching against his brother Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers.

The Ravens are considered a perennial contender, having made the playoffs in 12 of Harbaugh’s 17 seasons. While some fans understandably wish this team would “get over the hump” again, Baltimore has advanced to four AFC Championship Games during his tenure.

And once again this year, largely due to what appears to be a full roster and the steady hand of the man in charge, Harbaugh’s team is once again shaping up as a contender.