The Giants’ search for an offensive coordinator continues, and head coach John Harbaugh is working through his list of options after his top target, Todd Monken, took the head coaching job in Cleveland.
Next up on Harbaugh’s radar: Jim Bob Cooter.
According to reports, Harbaugh is set to meet with Cooter to discuss the OC role. The 41-year-old just finished his third season as the Colts’ offensive coordinator, though it’s worth noting that play-calling duties in Indianapolis were handled by head coach Shane Steichen. Still, Cooter has been around the NFL block, and his résumé includes a run as Detroit’s offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2018.
After his stint with the Lions ended, Cooter took on a variety of roles - running backs coach with the Jets (2019-20), consultant with the Eagles in 2021, and passing game coordinator for the Jaguars in 2022. He’s also been in the mix during this year’s hiring cycle, having interviewed with the Eagles for their own OC vacancy.
For Harbaugh, the situation is a bit of a pivot. Monken was his offensive coordinator in Baltimore for the past three seasons, and the plan was to bring him along to New York after Harbaugh was let go by the Ravens and hired by the Giants. But with Monken now leading the Browns, Harbaugh has to find someone else to install and run his offense - and, perhaps more critically, someone who can help develop second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
That’s the big picture here. Whoever gets this job won’t just be calling plays - they’ll be tasked with shaping the future of a young signal-caller who’s shown promise but still has plenty of growing to do. Dart’s development is going to be central to the Giants’ rebuild, and Harbaugh knows he needs the right voice in that quarterback room.
Cooter isn’t the only name in the mix. Harbaugh has also shown interest in Kliff Kingsbury, who just wrapped up a stint as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator, and Davis Webb, currently the quarterbacks coach in Denver. Webb is drawing attention from multiple teams - the Eagles and Ravens have also submitted interview requests.
Another intriguing name is Charlie Weis Jr., now at LSU. Weis was Dart’s offensive coordinator and position coach at Ole Miss, and that familiarity could be a major asset.
The catch? Weis just followed Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge and landed a significant contract in the process.
So while the fit might be ideal, the price tag could be steep.
For now, Harbaugh is weighing his options. He’s got a quarterback to groom, a system to install, and a franchise looking for direction on the offensive side of the ball. The next hire will go a long way in shaping what the Giants look like in 2026 and beyond.