Sean Payton knows a thing or two about the coaching carousel-and he’s certainly familiar with John Harbaugh. The two go way back to their days as assistants with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998, and now, with Harbaugh reportedly set to become the next head coach of the New York Giants, Payton is showing nothing but support for his longtime friend.
While the Giants hadn’t made anything official as of Friday morning, the buzz inside the building was loud enough to suggest an announcement was imminent. And when Payton was asked about the expected Harbaugh-to-New York move, he didn’t hold back his enthusiasm.
Payton on Harbaugh: “I’m happy for him”
"Yes, I saw that," Payton said when asked about the Harbaugh news. "I haven’t been in New York for years.
I’m real close with both the Maras and the Tisch family. I’m excited for John.
I consider him a close friend. [Mike Tomlin], the same way.
It happened fast."
Payton mentioned that he had texted Harbaugh earlier in the week and was open to a phone call if Harbaugh wanted to talk. The two have clearly stayed in touch, and Payton’s reaction wasn’t just about friendship-it was about respect. He knows what it takes to succeed in this league, and he sees Harbaugh as someone who can lead a storied franchise like the Giants back to relevance.
The reference to Mike Tomlin was also notable. Tomlin stepped down earlier in the week after a remarkable 19-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The coaching landscape is shifting, and Harbaugh's move to New York is part of that bigger picture.
Ties to the Giants run deep for Payton
For Payton, this isn’t just about seeing a friend land a big job-it’s also personal. He spent key early years of his career with the Giants, first as a quarterbacks coach in 1999 and then as the offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2002. That stretch helped shape his coaching identity, and his time in New York clearly still means something to him.
"I’m happy for the Giants just for those years there," Payton said. "My first however many years in the league were Eagles, Giants, Cowboys for quite a while.
I say this, sometimes we can’t control our bloodlines, where we end up. I’ve been blessed when you look at the programs, and here now, and the tradition.
Sometimes you don’t have control over that. So I’m excited for him."
There’s a lot to unpack in that quote. Payton’s career path has taken him through some of the league’s most iconic franchises-the Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and of course, the Saints, where he became a Super Bowl-winning head coach. Now with the Broncos, he’s still very much part of the NFL’s coaching fraternity, but his roots in New York run deep.
Looking ahead
While nothing’s official yet, the writing appears to be on the wall. Harbaugh seems poised to take over a Giants team that’s searching for stability, identity, and a return to its winning ways. And if that happens, don’t be surprised if we see a reunion of sorts down the line-Payton and Harbaugh on opposite sidelines, both chasing one more shot at glory.
For now, Payton’s just happy to see a friend land in a place that means something to both of them. And if you know anything about the NFL, you know these coaching connections matter. They shape careers, build legacies, and sometimes, they come full circle.