John Harbaugh’s move to the Big Apple is official, and with it comes a swirl of intrigue - not just about what he’ll bring to the New York Giants, but about what (or who) he left behind in Baltimore.
The former Ravens head coach was introduced Tuesday as the Giants’ new sideline leader, and during a candid radio appearance on WFAN, he didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: his relationship with Lamar Jackson.
“Phenomenal Relationship” with Lamar
Harbaugh made it clear - whatever rumors have been floating around about tension between him and the two-time MVP quarterback, he’s not buying into them.
“Phenomenal relationship with Lamar,” Harbaugh said. “Everything has been absolutely positive.
Ask him, he’ll tell you. We love each other.
We tell each other we love each other. He’s one of my favorite human beings.
We revolutionized offensive football with Lamar Jackson. I don’t know why that doesn’t get written about more.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Harbaugh and Jackson did indeed change the way NFL offenses operate - blending speed, creativity, and unpredictability in a way that forced defensive coordinators across the league to rethink their entire approach. Their partnership helped redefine what a modern NFL offense could look like when built around a dual-threat quarterback.
Fallout in Baltimore
Still, the perception persists that Harbaugh’s exit from Baltimore wasn’t entirely on his terms - or at least not without some internal friction. Reports suggested that Harbaugh had grown “tired of” Jackson, and that the locker room dynamic had shifted. Some players reportedly felt that offensive coordinator Todd Monken had become distant and less collaborative, creating a disconnect between the coaching staff and the roster.
Owner Steve Bisciotti later confirmed that he made the decision to part ways with Harbaugh after consulting with Jackson and several veteran players. But according to Bisciotti, Jackson made it clear he had no personal issues with either Harbaugh or Monken.
So, was it a locker room mutiny or just the natural end of a long tenure? That’s something only those inside the Ravens’ facility truly know. But Harbaugh’s comments suggest a man who still holds Jackson in the highest regard - and who isn’t looking back with bitterness.
A New Chapter in New York
Now, Harbaugh turns the page - and the Giants are giving him the pen.
He’s expected to bring Todd Monken with him to New York as his offensive coordinator, unless another team swoops in with a head coaching offer. That pairing will be tasked with developing Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ 2025 first-round pick and quarterback of the future.
Dart met with Harbaugh at the team’s facility on January 14, and by all accounts, the early vibes are positive. They’re aligned on the vision for Dart’s development, which is crucial given the up-and-down nature of his rookie campaign. There were flashes of brilliance, but also the kind of growing pains you’d expect from a young quarterback thrown into the fire.
Harbaugh’s track record with quarterbacks - particularly one as dynamic as Jackson - could be exactly what Dart needs to take the next step. But make no mistake: Harbaugh is in charge now.
If things don’t click with Dart over the next year, don’t be surprised if the Giants pivot quickly. This is Harbaugh’s show, and he’s been given the freedom to build it his way.
Final Word
Whatever happened in Baltimore, Harbaugh is treating it like yesterday’s news. His focus is squarely on the Giants, on Jaxson Dart, and on building something sustainable in New York. But as he made clear, his time with Lamar Jackson wasn’t defined by friction - it was, in his words, revolutionary.
Now the question becomes: can he do it again in New York?