In this week’s episode of the UKRavens Podcast, Gaz, Shane, James and Ashley attempt to put a painful Week 18 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers into context, only for the entire conversation to be blown wide open mid-recording by one of the biggest pieces of news in franchise history: John Harbaugh being relieved of his duties as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. What begins as a post-mortem on a lost season turns into a raw, unfiltered live reaction to a seismic moment for the organisation.
The episode opens with reflections on a brutal end to the 2025 season, as the Ravens fall short in a back-and-forth AFC North battle that felt like a perfect microcosm of the year. Despite flashes of brilliance, the night ultimately came down to a missed field goal from rookie kicker Tyler Loop, sealing another narrow defeat and confirming the Ravens’ absence from the playoffs. The panel break down the opening drives, the familiar pattern of early promise followed by stagnation, and why this game felt inevitable long before the final kick sailed wide.
There is detailed discussion on Lamar Jackson’s performance, particularly a fourth quarter that reminded everyone why he remains the beating heart of the franchise. The group analyse Lamar’s ability to transcend chaos, escape collapsing pockets, and create something from nothing, while also acknowledging how often this season he has been let down by protection issues, drops and inconsistency around him. Derrick Henry’s usage is also dissected, with context around game script, penalties and defensive struggles limiting sustained offensive rhythm.
On the other side of the ball, the defence comes under heavy scrutiny. The loss of Kyle Hamilton during the game proves to be a turning point, but the conversation makes clear that the warning signs were there long before. Poor tackling, ineffective pass rush, and an inability to get off the field on third down allowed the Steelers to control tempo. The panel discuss how the defence has regressed against competent opponents, and why the unit’s improvement earlier in the season may have been misleading.
Special teams take centre stage too, with a thoughtful and emotional discussion around Tyler Loop. Rather than scapegoating, the conversation focuses on accountability, mental resilience, and the reality of being a rookie kicker thrust into an impossibly high-pressure moment. The group reflect on Loop’s post-game response, the wider issue of kickoff inconsistency, and what the Ravens must consider at the position moving forward.
The episode then takes a dramatic turn. As discussion shifts towards league-wide coaching changes, the news breaks live that John Harbaugh has been fired. What follows is a candid, unscripted reaction as the hosts process the end of an 18-year era. There is immediate shock, followed by measured reflection on Harbaugh’s legacy, his role in building sustained success in Baltimore, and why this moment, however jarring, feels like the right inflection point for the franchise.
From there, the conversation expands into what comes next. The panel debate the type of head coach the Ravens should pursue, weighing offensive versus defensive-minded candidates, internal continuity versus external change, and the urgency of maximising Lamar Jackson’s Super Bowl window. Potential names are discussed, from experienced retreads to young innovators, alongside trust in Steve Bisciotti and Eric DeCosta to navigate what is now one of the most attractive openings in the NFL.
The episode closes with a look ahead to the offseason. Draft position, roster needs, schedule implications, and a renewed focus on community engagement all come into view. Despite the disappointment of how the season ended, there is a clear sense of optimism that meaningful change is coming, and that the Ravens still have the foundation to contend.