The New York Giants are finalizing a deal to hire John Harbaugh as the next head coach. After the move becomes official, what’s next for Harbaugh and the Giants?
Giants on the Verge of Hiring John Harbaugh
Barring a setback, the Giants will get their top choice.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harbaugh is expected to be the next Giants’ coach.
Details still need to be ironed out, but the estimated agreement is a five-year contract worth $100 million.
After the Giants fired Brian Daboll in November, the organization spent the next two months preparing for the offseason coaching market.
During the first week of the offseason, the Giants interviewed a wide variety of candidates, including interim head coach Mike Kafka, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, and former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Once the Ravens fired Harbaugh, Big Blue’s plans changed. The Giants went “all in” on Harbaugh and will do whatever it takes to land the best candidate on the market.
Harbaugh showed interest in the Giants’ job almost immediately. The two other teams that Harbaugh considered were the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons.
Harbaugh spoke with the Titans and Falcons and planned to meet in person with each organization later this week. In fact, Harbaugh planned to meet Titans executives at his home in Baltimore on Thursday morning.
Harbaugh planned to meet with the Giants on Wednesday, fly back to Baltimore on Wednesday night, and speak with the Titans on Thursday.
After touring the Giants’ facilities and speaking with ownership, executives, and quarterback Jaxson Dart, Harbaugh flew home to Baltimore.
Harbaugh boarded the plane without signing a contract, but his decision had been made. He will be the head coach of the New York Giants.
What is Next for John Harbaugh and the New York Giants?
Once he signs the deal, Harbaugh will build his staff.
Todd Monken, Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator in Baltimore, is expected to be the new offensive coordinator of the Giants. Monken had been the Ravens’ offensive coordinator since 2023. Under Monken’s guidance, quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second MVP in 2024.
Jim Leonhard, Zach Orr, and Anthony Weaver are expected to in the running for the defensive coordinator position.
After the staff is in place, Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen will work together to improve a roster coming off a 4-13 record.
The main priority will be to surround Dart with a strong offensive line and secondary weapons on the outside.
The defensive line is the team’s strength, with players like Brian Burns, Decter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter. Harbaugh will be tasked with strengthening the linebacking unit and the secondary.