John Harbaugh's Impact Questioned by NFL Exec if 'Organizational Dysfunction is Dysfunction'

Following his firing from the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh is widely considered to be the top head coaching candidate on the market this offseason.

However, The Athletic's Mike Sando reported that there are some around the NFL who question how much Harbaugh was responsible for the Ravens' success.

"Harbaugh gives you a system and a leader," an executive from another team said. "If you are an organization that is rudderless, he gives you that direction. He automatically establishes a standard and a belief. But you could say that about Pete Carroll as well, and that has not changed with him, but organizational dysfunction is dysfunction."

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the concerns over Harbaugh's impact reached the top of Baltimore's organization, stating that "ownership questioned how well Harbaugh fit with the roster." He added that "one prominent veteran" was "hesitant" to sign a contract extension with the Ravens because of Harbaugh's "challenging program."

Baltimore is known for having strong organizational leadership that provides a sound infrastructure to allow head coaches to be successful. Harbaugh likely won't have the same organizational support he's enjoyed for the last 18 seasons in his next job.

"What does not come with Harbaugh to another team is the scouting department and ownership, two big components of success," a coach from another team told Sando. "Then you have to find a quarterback who is worthy, or else you are Bill Belichick, who could not win without Tom Brady."

Still, there are some who still feel Harbaugh is the top head coaching option available this offseason, as young teams like the New York Giants or Tennessee Titans could use a leader with his experience.

"The Giants or Tennessee would probably be the best spots for John," another exec told Sando. "If I'm the Giants, I need somebody to be an adult. Even if a younger coach is the right guy, I don't know if they can afford it right now. They need a steady-the-ship guy, someone who can say, 'I don't give a s--t what has happened in the last 20 years. This is what we are about.' Tom Coughlin was that."

"There are hurdles to overcome," the coach from another team added, "but Harbaugh is still better than the rest even without that."