Giants Target Colts Coach as Harbaugh Eyes Bold OC Hire

The Giants are casting a wide net in their search for an offensive coordinator, with Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter emerging as a noteworthy candidate under new head coach John Harbaugh.

The Giants are continuing their search for a new offensive coordinator under freshly-hired head coach John Harbaugh, and one of the latest names in the mix is Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter. According to reports, the Giants are set to interview Cooter as they work through a growing list of candidates to lead their offense into a new era.

Cooter, who’s been around the NFL coaching circuit for well over a decade, brings a résumé that’s both varied and experienced. At 41, he’s already held multiple key roles across several franchises, including a previous OC stint in Detroit and his current position with the Colts. His familiarity with different offensive systems and quarterback development could make him an intriguing fit for a Giants team looking to reboot its offense under Harbaugh.

While Todd Monken-formerly the Ravens’ offensive coordinator-was considered the early favorite for the job, that door closed when Monken accepted the Browns’ head coaching position. That’s left the Giants evaluating a handful of other intriguing names.

Here’s where the OC search stands for New York:

  • Todd Monken - Now the Browns’ head coach
  • Willie Taggart - Ravens assistant head coach and running backs coach (interview requested)
  • Robert Prince - Dolphins wide receivers coach (interview requested)
  • Jim Bob Cooter - Colts offensive coordinator (interview scheduled)

Cooter’s coaching journey began with the Colts back in 2009 as an offensive assistant. From there, he made brief stops with the Chiefs and Broncos before landing in Detroit, where he was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator during the 2015 season. He held that position through 2018, helping to guide Matthew Stafford through some of his most efficient years.

In 2019, Cooter shifted gears and became the Jets’ running backs coach, a role he held for one season before parting ways with the team. He then joined the Jaguars as their passing game coordinator, continuing to build his offensive acumen before returning to Indianapolis in 2023 for his second stint with the Colts-this time as the offensive coordinator.

Under Cooter’s guidance in 2025, the Colts’ offense quietly put together a strong campaign. They finished 9th in total yards and matched that ranking in rushing yards, while placing 8th in points scored.

The passing game, however, lagged a bit behind, finishing 20th in the league. Still, the overall output speaks to a balanced and efficient offensive approach-something the Giants have been lacking in recent years.

As the Giants weigh their options, Cooter’s experience calling plays, developing quarterbacks, and operating within multiple offensive systems could be exactly what Harbaugh is looking for. With interviews ongoing, the next few days should offer more clarity on which direction the Giants are leaning. But one thing’s clear: they’re casting a wide net, and Cooter is firmly in the conversation.