New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has provided his thoughts on general manager Joe Schoen.
The New York Giants certainly had to jump through some hoops to get there, but on Saturday, they officially finalized a contract with John Harbaugh to become their next head coach.
Harbaugh brings a stellar track record to the Big Apple, and he may be exactly what the Giants have needed since Tom Coughlin departed over a decade ago.
Of course, questions have persisted about Harbaugh's feelings toward general manager Joe Schoen, who was viewed by some as a potential repellent for prospective Giants head-coaching candidates.
In fact, some even wondered if the delay in Harbaugh finally accepting a deal with Big Blue had to do with Schoen's remaining presence in the front office.
In reality, though, Schoen was completely innocent in the matter, and Harbaugh — who was rumored to want total autonomy — seems excited to work with him.
"I really like Joe. We had great football talks and great life talks," Harbaugh said. "He’s a hard worker, and I’m ready for us to roll up our sleeves."
As for whether or not Harbaugh and Schoen could potentially butt heads when it comes to making critical decisions?
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen. Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images."It will be the same as it was in Baltimore and really everywhere around the league," Harbaugh said. "We’re going to work until we agree."
Schoen is entering the final year of his contract, so it stands to reason that he could be out of a job by the end of 2026. But Harbaugh could help Schoen in that regard.
Now, Schoen will have a proven, terrific football mind to aid him throughout the team-building process, and you can bet that Harbaugh will have a massive say — if not the final say — in free agency and the NFL Draft.
“I think the Giants roster is strong and it’s our job to make it stronger,” Harbaugh added. “We are going to compete for the playoffs and for championships. I expect and want to make the playoffs next year.”
New York went just 4-13 this past season, but it was clear that the Giants were better than their record indicated. They were very competitive in most of their losses, and while facing one of the toughest schedules in football, to boot.
We'll see if Harbaugh can get the G-Men back on a Super Bowl path.