Willis McGahee talks about being in Harbaugh's doghouse

It was only a matter of time until former Ravens running back Willis McGahee, who has earned a big role in the Denver Broncos backfield, spoke out publicly about his relationship with his former coach, John Harbaugh.

McGahee carried the load for the Ravens in his first season in Baltimore, but after Harbaugh replaced Brian Billick, his role diminished. (The emergence of Ray Rice as a Pro Bowl back was also a factor.) In his final three seasons here, McGahee averaged 8.6 carries a game, though he did score 14 total touchdowns in 2009.

"In Baltimore, me and the coach didn't get off to a great start when he first got there," McGahee told The Denver Post. "I couldn't do this or the other. But there wasn't any doubt in my mind that I couldn't play football."

The Ravens released McGahee shortly after the NFL lockout ended in late July and he inked a deal with the Broncos a few days later. (The Ravens later brought in veteran back Ricky Williams to replace McGahee.)

McGahee, 29, took over as the Broncos’ lead running back when Knowshon Moreno injured his hamstring in Week 1. He has rushed for 259 yards and a touchdown this season, including 103 yards on 15 carries in Sunday’s 49-23 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He also has 11 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

McGahee told The Denver Post that he now looks at his time in Harbaugh’s doghouse as a blessing.

"That's part of it, the longevity, being in the league longer,” he said. “Being a backup, I got to rest my body."


(baltimoresun.com)