OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh met for four hours with Baltimore Ravens officials on Tuesday as the team's latest candidate for its head coaching job.
Harbaugh was the sixth candidate to interview for the vacancy created last week when owner Steve Bisciotti fired Brian Billick and his entire staff after nine seasons.
"I don't think there's any one way to prepare to be a head coach," Harbaugh said before leaving Ravens headquarters. "I don't think you're a head coach until you become a head coach and you find out what your style is. Everybody applies their experiences, their talents, their efforts and then you see what happens. Andy Reid was never a coordinator before being a head coach and he's one of the best in the league."
Harbaugh, 45, coached Eagles special teams for seven seasons before shifting to defense last year. He has been an assistant coach at Indiana, Cincinnati, Morehead State, Pittsburgh and Western Michigan.
The Ravens also have interviewed Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell; Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano; Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett; recently dismissed Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan; and New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
"Up, down, sideways, from the very top, it's a very impressive place to visit," Harbaugh said. "I knew the Ravens had a great organization. Now, I see why. Good people. First-class all the way. It's been challenging, but it has been fun."
Three candidates have declined to interview with the Ravens: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.
Ryan interviewed Tuesday for the Miami Dolphins' coaching position after meeting Monday with the Atlanta Falcons.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
