New York Giants coach John Harbaugh referenced being shunned during a Miami University commencement speech with subtle shade thrown toward the Baltimore Ravens after his January firing
18:50 ET, 18 May 2026
John Harbaugh speaks to students at Miami University
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John Harbaugh took a shot at his Ravens exit during his Miami commencement speech(Image: X (JordanRanaan))
Some college commencement speeches bore crowds of thousands with generic advice, polished jokes and warnings about leaving friends of the past behind, but NFL head coach John Harbaugh gave Miami University his signature inspiration and a very quiet shot at his time with the Baltimore Ravens coming to an end.
The New York Giants head coach delivered the keynote speech Saturday at his alma mater in Oxford, Ohio, and spoke to the Class of 2026 inside Yager Stadium's 24,286-seat football stadium.
Harbaugh was selected as a 1984 Miami graduate, former RedHawks defensive back, and one of the school’s most famous products. He played in the MAC under head coach Tom Reed, who famously instilled the NFL's philosophies that Harbaugh continues to pass on to future generations.
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The quarterback who ended Harbaugh’s playoff hopes last season just re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Harbaugh’s message to more than 4,500 degree candidates centered on resilience, caring for others, and fully acknowledging people during difficult moments. What stood out most were the “tough times” he referenced after being fired by Baltimore following 18 seasons with the organization.
"There's going to be tough times," Harbaugh told graduates. "They're going to show up, too. You might get a call with some bad news. Maybe about your job. Maybe they’ll tell you they don’t want you anymore. Time to move on."
Harbaugh laughed as he delivered the line before adding, "It happens. In those moments, I hope you’ll find resilience, and that you’ll be able to rejoice in all the good you still have, and all the people who still care for you."
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"That you’ll come to understand that there is a great opportunity on the next horizon of your life," Harbaugh continued. "And you can still walk together into every uncertain future with the people you love."
The speech came just before Harbaugh’s first full offseason program with the Giants ramps up. New York’s OTAs are scheduled to begin Tuesday, followed by mandatory minicamp from June 8–10 and then training camp at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.
Harbaugh left Baltimore as the winningest coach in franchise history with over 100 victories. He compiled a 180-113 regular-season record, 12 playoff appearances, a 13-11 postseason record, six AFC North titles, and a Super Bowl XLVII championship.
John Harbaugh speaks during a New York Giants press conference
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John Harbaugh coached the Ravens for 18 seasons(Image: Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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He also reached four AFC Championship Games and won NFL Coach of the Year in 2019 after a 14-2 season. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, who said he loved Harbaugh “like a brother,” ultimately fired his head coach over the phone.
Harbaugh’s Giants will head into next season carrying the principles from his commencement speech into a revamped roster that includes a strong Ravens influence. Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard, Jordan Stout, Ar’Darius Washington, and Daniel Faalele have all followed him to New York.
Miami already honored Harbaugh in 2014 by inducting him into its Cradle of Coaches Association, where he stands alongside legendary names like Paul Brown, Bo Schembechler, and Weeb Ewbank.