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ESPN NFL Nation reporters rank John Harbaugh’s job security as “Lukewarm”

How hot is Harbaugh’s seat this season?

NFL: Baltimore Ravens-Training Camp Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

For the last ten years now, the Baltimore Ravens have been very fortunate to have something that not many NFL teams have: stability at head coach. John Harbaugh has been the man in charge of the Ravens, and has not only helped get Baltimore to the postseason six out of nine seasons, but has received the Ravens respect by being in the upper tier of NFL teams along with the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers. It helps that Harbaugh's Ravens have played teams like the Patriots and Steelers tough, including beating them.

Unfortunately, the Ravens have missed the playoffs three times in the last four years, and Harbaugh has come under fire due to his in-game decision making, as well as a mishandling of injuries to key players. Last year was not a good year for the former Super Bowl champion head coach, as he followed up a 2015 season filled with injuries yet still had his team competing every single game, with a 2016 that might've been his worst as a head coach.

The ESPN NFL Nation reporters ranked every NFL head coach's job security on a scale of 1 to 5. Harbaugh was placed at the No. 3 spot, meaning it was "lukewarm". ESPN Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley stated:

"Some will contend that the seat is hotter than this, but Harbaugh won a Super Bowl in 2012, beat the rival Steelers in the playoffs in 2014, and still ranks among the top 10 coaches in the NFL. Sure, he has missed the playoffs three of the past four seasons, which has ratcheted up the pressure. But if the Ravens decide to part ways with Harbaugh, he wouldn't be out of a job for long."

Harbaugh's seat being "lukewarm" also, according to their scale, meant his seat isn't under fire, but not disaster proof. Which is why the placement is fair for John Harbaugh entering 2017. Despite the injury-riddled 2015 season, Harbaugh's 2013 and 2016 campaigns all ended in Weeks 16 and 17. He was still able to keep them in the thick of the playoff-race until the final days of the season. Falling just an inch short a year ago.

General Manager Ozzie Newsome went to work this offseason, but the team has already been hit with an injury parasite that just won't seem to go away. Which doesn't make life easier for Harbaugh. A lot of pressure is on him this year, and while missing the playoffs shouldn't warrant a firing, his seat will officially be hot entering 2018. However, that is something the 10-year head coach of the Ravens isn't thinking about right now.