The New York Giants have officially ushered in a new era with the hiring of John Harbaugh as their head coach-and it turns out, some of the franchise’s most iconic voices played a quiet but influential role in making it happen.
Before the ink was dry on Harbaugh’s contract, Giants legends Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin had already reached out to the longtime Ravens coach. And if you ask Manning, this wasn’t just a casual endorsement-it was a vision he had in mind from the moment the team parted ways with Brian Daboll back in November.
Eli Manning Wanted a CEO-Type at the Helm
Appearing recently on CNBC Sport, Manning pulled back the curtain on his conversations with ownership during the season. He made it clear he wasn’t just thinking about X’s and O’s-he was thinking about leadership.
“I talked with ownership and John Mara during the season,” Manning said. “I told them the type of coach I thought we needed-someone who’s been a head coach before, someone who understands the media, who’s consistent, who can be the same person every day.
Really, someone who can be a CEO-not just of the team, but of the entire building. Someone who holds everyone to a higher standard.”
That’s not a small ask. Coaches like that don’t exactly grow on trees. Manning even admitted he wasn’t sure if that kind of candidate would be available.
Then came the news: John Harbaugh was out in Baltimore. And suddenly, the perfect fit was on the market.
Harbaugh Brings Championship Pedigree and Stability
At 63, Harbaugh brings with him a resume that speaks for itself. One Super Bowl ring.
A 13-11 playoff record. And nearly two decades of experience leading a team in one of the league’s toughest divisions.
He’s known for building tough, disciplined teams that don’t beat themselves-and for commanding the kind of respect that resonates throughout an organization.
For Manning, the hire was a no-brainer.
“Ownership responded quickly,” he said. “They recognized what kind of person and coach he is.
I’m so excited for the organization. This is how we get back on track.”
Chris Mara Helped Seal the Deal
While Manning and Coughlin may have helped plant the seed, it was Giants senior player personnel executive Chris Mara-brother of co-owner John Mara-who reportedly helped close the deal.
According to Dan Salomone of the Giants’ official site, Coughlin gave Chris Mara a direct order once Harbaugh became available: “Get your a-- down there.” The message was clear-don’t let this opportunity slip away.
And credit where it’s due: Mara followed through.
Why Players Should Want to Play for the Giants Again
Manning didn’t just endorse Harbaugh-he also made a compelling case for why players should want to be part of what the Giants are building.
“There are no owners more committed to building a winning team and franchise,” Manning said of the Mara and Tisch families. “They’ll do anything for the players and coaches if it helps build a winning culture.
They deserve to win. The fans deserve it.
And I believe Harbaugh is going to get us back there.”
It’s a powerful vote of confidence, not just in Harbaugh, but in the entire direction of the franchise. And coming from a two-time Super Bowl MVP who knows exactly what it takes to win in New York, it carries weight.
Manning also emphasized that he’s not stepping away from the team anytime soon.
“I’m always going to be helpful and be there for the Giants,” he said.
Given how things played out, you could say he’s already made his first assist in the Harbaugh era.