Did New York Giants coach John Harbaugh just take a shot at the Baltimore Ravens?
When the New York Giants hired John Harbaugh to be their next head coach back in January, the excitement was palpable.
After all, Harbaugh enjoyed a sparkling 18-year run with the Baltimore Ravens, leading them to a Super Bowl title, six AFC North division crowns and 12 playoff appearances.
It certainly differed from the track record previous Giants coaches in recent years, and the hiring was a massive breath of fresh air at the Meadowlands.
But clearly, the Ravens felt Harbaugh's time in Baltimore had gone stale, as they parted ways with the 63-year-old following a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Harbaugh has definitely gotten off to a strong start in New York, putting together an impressive free agency class to bolster the roster on both sides of the ball.
During a recent appearance on the Pardon My Take podcast, Harbaugh discussed Big Blue's moves in free agency and appeared to take a slight jab at his former team in the process.
“We signed 16 guys in free agency, and we did it with just mid-level spending in the National Football League,” Harbaugh said. “For free agency, we were right in the middle, and we signed 16 guys with that. I think the Ravens had about the same, and they signed eight guys."
New York Giants coach John Harbaugh. Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Do I sense a bit of shade there?
“So I’m really excited about the fact that — I think we got a lot for our buck, so to speak,” Harbaugh added. “And these are all guys that are motivated guys, that wanted to be here for the right reasons, that are gonna fit our style of play. We’ll see, but I’m really kind of pleased with these guys. And we’re not done yet.”
If Harbaugh has some hard feelings toward Baltimore following his dismissal, it's understandable. He did a whole lot for that franchise, after all, and even the players seemed devastated that he was gone.
Now, Harbaugh will get the chance to uplift a Giants squad that has been stuck in the doldrums for over a decade. Since last winning the Super Bowl in February 2012, New York has made just two playoff appearances.
Last season, the Giants went 4-13, but it should be noted that they were actually very competitive in most of their losses, and against strong competition, at that.
That's why many have New York pegged as a potential sleeper playoff contender heading into Harbaugh's debut campaign in the Big Apple.
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