Despite what you might hear on sports talk radio from callers who represent the vocal minority, John Harbaugh is a pretty successful head coach in the National Football League. And up until very recently, the Super Bowl winning head coach’s national media attention hasn’t been too extravagant.
This has always been surprising to me because Harbaugh is always excellent in front of the camera while carrying himself incredibly well. Not to mention, according to the ladies he’s not too hard on the eyes and judging from the content of the Super Bowl commercials, this is an audience with whom the NFL is desperately trying to regain some traction.
That being said, it comes as no surprise to me that NBC and the league decided that they would give Harb’s the face time on Super Bowl Sunday.
And this brings up an interesting question.
What does all of this mean for the Ravens?
When you’re a Super Bowl Champ with a solid number of playoff appearances, when star players at the Pro Bowl get to know you on a more personal level and see a watered down version of your coaching style, when pending free agents whose seasons ended a month ago see your face all over the TV on Super Sunday, does Baltimore become a more attractive destination?
In a day and age where exposure means endorsement dollars (ask Marshawn Lynch), having a head coach that is becoming a media favorite could very well inspire players to take a closer look at Baltimore. Pair this with the fact that the fastest growing sports apparel company is located in our backyard, watch out “Big Two” media markets! (NY and LA)
Media markets no longer sway players’ decisions like they used to. They don’t need Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles to gain that endorsement deal (Kevin Durant) anymore.
Veterans get a solid final run with the Ravens under Harbaugh.
Veterans who are looking for that Super Bowl ring before retirement have seen other players get their ring. Baltimore took Vonta Leach to the promised land in his final contract. Bernard Pollard and Corey Graham are two other league vets who earned the right to hoist the Lombardi.
Harbaugh saved Matt Birk from suffering a slow (football) death in Minnesota. do you think he has anything negative to say about his time in Baltimore?
If a free agent wants to be a part of winning team, the John Harbaugh-led Baltimore Ravens are becoming more and more of a top destination.
You’re always going to have players who want nothing more than a big payday and honestly they’re not the guys who the Baltimore Ravens want.
Players who want to win and are on the fence?
Advantage – Baltimore.
