The New York Giants officially landed their top target and next head coach.
It’s official: the New York Giants have their next head coach – and it’s who they were targeting the moment he became unexpectedly available. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that John Harbaugh has agreed to a five-year deal to become the next Giants head coach, a deal that New York offered earlier in the week. Harbaugh was stunningly fired by the Baltimore Ravens after narrowly missing the playoffs, where he spent 18 seasons and went 180-113 with a Super Bowl win. The Ravens hadn’t been to the postseason since 2023, but Harbaugh has experience getting them. The Giants haven’t reached the playoffs since 2022, the first year Brian Daboll was the coach.
Now, Harbaugh comes in to a young offense headlined by quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and the injured Cam Skattebo at running back. New York touts a defense led by linebacker Brian Burns and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. Despite the talent, the Giants went 4-13 and had the worst record in the NFC East. They are 7-27 in two seasons and will now bring in a proven coach with an ability to build a winning culture.
Here is the full story from Giants Roundtable writer Ashish Mature on the hiring and what he brings to New York for the first time in a while.
In addition to having a young quarterback – on a rookie contract – Harbaugh will also have the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He now needs to hire an offensive coordinator who will get the most out of Dart. The Giants were extensive in their interviewing process, with multiple in-person interviews in addition to several virtually. However, once Harbaugh suddenly became available, New York did a full-court press and wined and dined their hopeful next head coach. They now have the most proven and established candidate in their building.