John Harbaugh Era Begins in New York: What It Means for the Giants, Jaxson Dart, and the Road Ahead
The winds of change are blowing through East Rutherford, and they’re coming with the unmistakable stamp of John Harbaugh. The longtime Ravens head coach is officially in charge of the New York Giants, and he’s wasting no time reshaping the organization in his image - from the coaching staff to the locker room.
Let’s break down what’s already happening, what’s still to come, and why Giants fans should be paying close attention.
A New Voice at the Top - And a Familiar One for Some
Harbaugh’s arrival marks a seismic shift for the Giants, who are coming off a turbulent few seasons. Known for his ability to build tough, disciplined teams in Baltimore, Harbaugh is expected to bring that same edge to New York. And he’s already started assembling his staff with that mindset in place.
Most of the Giants’ defensive coaches are out - a clear indication that Harbaugh is not here to tinker. He’s here to overhaul.
The defensive coordinator role is still up in the air, but there are some familiar names in the mix. Zach Orr, who served as Harbaugh’s DC in Baltimore the past two seasons, could be in play, although his stint as coordinator didn’t exactly light things up. If he doesn’t land the top job, he might slide into a role he’s more familiar with - inside linebackers coach.
Anthony Weaver is another name to watch. After spending the last two years as Miami’s DC, he brings experience and a previous connection to Harbaugh, having worked under him in Baltimore as defensive line coach and assistant head coach. Dennard Wilson, who coached Ravens defensive backs in 2023 before taking the Titans’ DC job, could also be in the mix - especially now that Tennessee has brought in Robert Saleh as head coach.
Bottom line: Harbaugh has options, and they’re all coaches who know what he expects.
The Offensive Coordinator Search: Familiar Faces, Big Decisions
Harbaugh’s first OC target? Willie Taggart, currently the Ravens’ assistant head coach and running backs coach. The Giants have officially requested an interview.
Taggart has deep ties to the Harbaugh family. He played quarterback for Jack Harbaugh at Western Kentucky and later coached with both Jack and Jim Harbaugh at WKU and Stanford. He joined John’s staff in 2023 and earned the assistant head coach title in 2025 - a sign of how much trust Harbaugh places in him.
If Taggart ends up in New York, he’ll be tasked with one of the most critical jobs on the team: guiding the development of quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart + Harbaugh = A Potential Franchise Cornerstone Duo
The relationship between a quarterback and his head coach can define a franchise. Just ask Giants fans who remember the Eli Manning-Tom Coughlin era. That duo brought rings to New York, and there’s a real sense that Harbaugh and Dart could be the next great pairing.
Harbaugh wanted to coach Dart. Dart wanted to play for Harbaugh. Now they’ve got their shot.
“He’s the coach that every single one of us had at the top of our list,” Dart said. That’s not just lip service - that’s a young quarterback recognizing the opportunity in front of him.
Dart showed flashes in his rookie season. He’s mobile, creative, and has the kind of competitive fire that reminds you of a young Baker Mayfield - the good parts, anyway.
He’ll need to protect himself better and clean up his decision-making, but the tools are there. With the right offensive coordinator and a healthy supporting cast - including Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers - Dart could take a serious leap in Year 2.
Wan’Dale Robinson: A Key Piece in Dart’s Development
One of Dart’s favorite targets this past season? Wan’Dale Robinson. The versatile receiver caught 92 passes for over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns, developing into a reliable option in the slot and outside.
With the Giants entering the offseason projected to have just $1.8 million in cap space, tough decisions are coming. But Robinson feels like a player worth keeping around - especially while Dart is still on his rookie contract.
A deal north of $15 million per year wouldn’t be shocking, especially when you consider the rising salary cap. Curtis Samuel’s 2021 deal with Washington - three years, $34.5 million - would translate to nearly $20 million per year in today’s market. That might be a stretch, but Robinson’s production and chemistry with Dart make him a candidate for a long-term extension.
Front Office Shake-Up: Familiar Names Moving On
Behind the scenes, the Giants are making changes as well. Longtime athletic trainer Ronnie Barnes is shifting into a new role, and longtime executive Kevin Abrams is leaving the front office. These are two names that have been fixtures in the organization for decades, and their departures signal a new era under GM Joe Schoen and now Harbaugh.
Schoen, for his part, knows the stakes. He’s not taking anything for granted. The Giants haven’t been consistent contenders in a long time, and this is the moment to change that trajectory.
Rookie Recognition: Abdul Carter Making Noise
Linebacker Abdul Carter earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team - a bright spot for a defense that had its share of struggles in 2025, particularly at the off-ball linebacker position. Carter’s athleticism and instincts stood out, and he’s a foundational piece moving forward.
He’s also a finalist for Rookie of the Year, along with Dart. That’s not just good news - that’s a sign the Giants’ 2025 draft class might be the one that turns the tide.
Looking Ahead: Draft Prep and Cap Crunch
With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Giants are already deep into scouting mode. Tight end Eli Stowers out of Vanderbilt is one of the prospects under the microscope, and there will be plenty more evaluations to come.
But before the draft, the Giants will need to navigate a tight cap situation. Expect cuts, trades, and some creative restructuring - especially if they want to retain key pieces like Robinson or add veteran help to support Dart.
The Bottom Line
John Harbaugh is here. Jaxson Dart is ready. And the Giants are entering a new chapter - one built on discipline, toughness, and a renewed sense of identity.
There’s still a long way to go, and plenty of decisions to be made. But for the first time in a while, there’s a clear direction in New York.
And that’s something Giants fans can get excited about.