As recently as Wednesday, reports suggested that former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh could pick either the Tennessee Titans or the Atlanta Falcons over the New York Giants.
Thus, Big Blue fans understandably were a bit concerned to learn that Harbaugh planned to meet with Titans officials at his home on Thursday after he visited the Giants’ facility on Wednesday. Of course, it was later reported that the Giants and Harbaugh’s camp began Thursday finalizing a deal for him to become the NFC East team’s next head coach.
According to a story from The Athletic that was updated on Thursday morning, Giants fans likely had little to worry about throughout this hiring process.
When John Harbaugh seemingly knew he wanted the Giants’ job
“As early as [Jan. 8], two days after Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti ended his 18-year run in Baltimore, Harbaugh was already picturing himself in Giants colors,” The Athletic shared. “‘I think this is the job for me,’ he told at least one person.”
Of course, the Giants still had to fully sell themselves to Harbaugh. For example, he allegedly wanted to make around $20M per year via his next coaching contract. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, money wasn’t a problem for the Giants. Additionally, it seems that former Ravens offensive coordinator and Harbaugh favorite Todd Monken will also soon be working for the Giants.
Joe Schoen sold himself to John Harbaugh?
Previous reports claimed that Harbaugh also wanted to choose his own general manager. That was never going to happen with the Giants, as they had already retained Joe Schoen following the 2025 season.
It has since been learned that former Giants head coach Brian Daboll “was extremely complimentary about the entire Giants operation and is believed to have assured Harbaugh that he would have no problem working with Schoen.” Per The Athletic, Schoen also proved to be an excellent salesman during the Giants’ courting of Harbaugh.
“Schoen had numerous conversations with the coach to detail the team’s daily operations and to assure Harbaugh that he would have the influence over roster decisions that he desired,” the story noted. “Harbaugh told at least one person that these conversations with the embattled GM left him feeling that he could definitely work with Schoen.”
Come Thursday night, Giants fans should be able to rest easy knowing their club is now in the hands of a one-time Super Bowl champion head coach.