The Baltimore Ravens stunned the NFL world on Tuesday by firing longtime head coach John Harbaugh, who spent 18 seasons with the team he won Super Bowl XLVII with.
It could also directly impact the Green Bay Packers.
And, no, that doesn't mean Harbaugh replacing Matt LaFleur. Despite the season-long buzz about LaFleur's job security, the Packers should find a way to keep him, even if that means spending top-of-the-market money. LaFleur would be the best head coach on the market, and the Packers shouldn't consider moving on.
But that's not the impact we're talking about in regards to Harbaugh's firing. Instead, it's the domino effect it will create and how that could dramatically help the division-rival Detroit Lions.
John Harbaugh firing could help Lions land their dream OC and directly impact the Packers
Lost in the Harbaugh news was the Lions' decision to fire offensive coordinator John Morton. It felt inevitable once head coach Dan Campbell wrestled the play-calling duties away from Morton, who struggled to adapt to the new role after Ben Johnson's departure.
Campbell didn't exactly rejuvenate the Lions' offense with the play sheet in his hands, either, leaving a void.
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Harbaugh's Baltimore exit further crowds the head coach market, with the former Super Bowl champion becoming the frontrunner for various jobs. That leaves fewer opportunities for other top head coach candidates, potentially including Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski appeared to be the frontrunner for the New York Giants' job (which could help the Packers keep Jeff Hafley), but Harbaugh's sudden availability changes that. Stefanski may have to settle for an offensive coordinator job, opening the door for Detroit.
If not Stefanski, who is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, then perhaps Mike McDaniel?
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the Miami Dolphins have "expressed an affinity for John Harbaugh recently."
Making a move could force McDaniel out of the job. While he has endured an up-and-down tenure as Miami's head coach, there's no doubting his ability as an offensive mind and play-caller. He has previously worked closely with LaFleur, Kyle Shanahan, and Sean McVay.
The Lions' OC job is a dream landing spot, especially for departing head coaches who want a chance to quickly rejuvenate their careers. While Detroit's offensive line needs some new additions, the incoming offensive coordinator will get to create plays for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. It doesn't get much better than that.
Add Stefanksi or McDaniel to the Lions' offense, and the unit could immediately return to the dominant levels we saw in 2024.
Had Harbaugh stayed in Baltimore, Stefanski looked on track for the Giants job. McDaniel would likely remain in Miami.
One big domino has fallen, and it could lead to a big-time move in the NFC North.