It’s been a whirlwind weekend in East Rutherford, and John Harbaugh is wasting no time making the Giants feel a little more like Baltimore North.
Fresh off his hire as the Giants’ new head coach, Harbaugh is quickly assembling his staff - and as expected, he’s leaning heavily on familiar faces from his Ravens days. Two key coordinator spots are now locked in, leaving just the offensive coordinator position still up for grabs. Let’s break down the hires so far and where things stand with that final puzzle piece.
Dennard Wilson Takes Over the Defense
Harbaugh’s new defensive coordinator is Dennard Wilson, a coach with a deep résumé and a recent stint on Harbaugh’s Ravens staff. Wilson coached the defensive backs in Baltimore in 2023 - a season where the Ravens went 13-4, allowed the fewest points in the league, and were sixth in total yards allowed. That secondary, under Wilson’s guidance, was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
After that standout season, Wilson moved on to become the Titans’ defensive coordinator. The results in Tennessee were mixed.
In 2024, his defense ranked second in yards allowed - an impressive feat - but still finished 30th in points allowed. This past season, the Titans improved slightly in scoring defense (28th) and dropped to 21st in yards allowed.
The raw numbers might raise some eyebrows, but context matters - the Titans were in a rebuild, and Wilson’s scheme still managed to limit yardage despite personnel challenges.
Before his time in Tennessee, Wilson spent two years with the Eagles. In 2022, he helped lead Philly’s defense to the top-ranked passing unit in the NFL as the defensive passing game coordinator.
That came after a strong 2021 season as their defensive backs coach. Add in earlier stops with the Jets and Rams, and Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a clear philosophy to New York’s defense.
Chris Horton Reunites with Harbaugh on Special Teams
On the special teams side, Chris Horton is making the jump to the Meadowlands as well. Horton has been tied to Harbaugh since 2014, first as an assistant and then as the Ravens’ special teams coordinator from 2019 through 2025. That consistency and longevity say a lot - and the results back it up.
Under Horton, Baltimore’s special teams were a model of excellence. Over 12 seasons, the Ravens ranked in the top 10 in special teams eight times, including two years at No. 1 and seven in the top five. Harbaugh, a former special teams coordinator himself, has always emphasized that phase of the game - and Horton has clearly delivered.
Offensive Coordinator Search Still Ongoing
The one major hire left? Offensive coordinator. And there are a few notable names in the mix.
Todd Monken, who has guided Baltimore’s offense the last three seasons, remains the most talked-about candidate. He’s also in the running for the Browns’ head coaching job, so his availability is still up in the air.
Monken’s offenses have been consistently productive. In 2024, the Ravens were first in total yards and third in scoring.
That followed a 2023 campaign where they ranked fourth in points and sixth in yards. Even last season, with some ups and downs, they finished 11th in points and 16th in yards.
If Monken ends up in New York, it would be a massive win for Harbaugh’s offense.
Willie Taggart is another name to watch. He’s interviewed for the OC job and is expected to join the Giants in some capacity.
Taggart has been Baltimore’s running backs coach for the past three seasons, and his ties to Harbaugh run deep - he played quarterback for Harbaugh’s father, Jack, at Western Kentucky. That kind of connection could carry weight as Harbaugh builds a cohesive staff.
Also in the mix is Dolphins offensive coordinator Robert Prince. While Prince has spent most of his NFL career coaching wide receivers - with stops in Miami, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, and Seattle - he does bring some OC experience from his college days at Boise State and Portland State. His background is more position-focused, but he’s a respected offensive mind with a deep understanding of the passing game.
Other Staff Additions
Harbaugh is also bringing over Matt Pees, who served as an assistant linebackers coach in Baltimore last season. Pees has previous experience with the Bears, Falcons, and Titans, and he adds another layer of familiarity and continuity to the staff.
On the quality control front, three more names from Harbaugh’s Ravens days are joining the fold: Adam Schrack (running backs), Brendan Clark (defensive backs), and Noah Riley (analyst). These are the behind-the-scenes coaches who help shape game plans and prep players week in and week out - and having trusted voices in those roles matters.
What It All Means for the Giants
This is clearly a staff being built on trust, familiarity, and shared vision. Harbaugh isn’t just hiring guys he knows - he’s bringing in coaches with proven track records at the highest level. From Wilson’s defensive acumen to Horton’s special teams excellence, and potentially Monken’s offensive firepower, the Giants are getting a staff that’s battle-tested and ready to compete.
The offensive coordinator hire will be the final - and perhaps most important - piece of the puzzle. But even before that decision is made, it’s clear the Giants are laying a strong foundation under Harbaugh. The culture shift is already underway.