Could John Harbaugh Be the Answer for the Giants? If He’s Available, New York Has to Make the Call
As the New York Giants continue their search for stability-and, let’s be honest, relevance-in the ever-competitive NFL coaching landscape, one name looms large: John Harbaugh. The longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach isn’t just another veteran on the market. If he becomes available, he’s the kind of leader who could instantly reshape the Giants’ identity.
Let’s be clear: there’s no indication yet that Harbaugh is leaving Baltimore. But with the Ravens sitting at 7-8 and staring down the possibility of just their third losing season in Harbaugh’s 18-year tenure, the questions are starting to surface. And when Harbaugh was asked this week about his job security, his answer-while thoughtful-didn’t exactly shut the door on change.
“It’s never been about keeping a job,” Harbaugh said. “You’re just doing a job... If we do a good enough job today, then the opportunity to do that job or a different job will be there tomorrow.”
That’s not a man campaigning to stay. That’s a coach who understands the business. And it sure doesn’t sound like someone who’s married to the idea of finishing his career in one place.
So if Harbaugh and the Ravens decide to part ways after the season-and if Harbaugh still wants to coach-then yes, the Giants absolutely need to pick up the phone. Quickly.
Why Harbaugh Fits What the Giants Need
Let’s talk about what Harbaugh brings to the table. First and foremost: experience. He’s been a head coach for nearly two decades, and not just any head coach-he’s a Super Bowl winner (2012), a 12-time playoff participant, and a consistent leader of one of the NFL’s most respected franchises.
He’s also a culture-setter. Harbaugh’s Ravens teams have always been known for their toughness, physicality, and defensive identity.
That’s the kind of DNA the Giants used to be built on. Think back to the best Giants teams of the past-dominant defensive fronts, gritty leadership, and a no-nonsense edge.
That’s been missing in recent years. Harbaugh could bring it back.
And while no coach is perfect-Baltimore has certainly had its share of head-scratching moments under Harbaugh-what he offers is something the Giants haven’t had in a long time: credibility. He walks into a room and commands respect.
That matters in a locker room. That matters in a city like New York.
The Front Office Factor
One of the more intriguing subplots here would be how Harbaugh fits with the Giants’ current front office. Would he be willing to work with GM Joe Schoen, who’s under his own microscope after a rollercoaster tenure so far? That’s a fair question.
But here’s the thing: Harbaugh is one of the rare coaches in the league with the résumé to potentially demand more control. And if he did want to bring in his own general manager? He might just be worth it.
That’s not a knock on Schoen-it’s just the reality of what a coach like Harbaugh represents. He’s not a rebuild guy.
He’s a reset the tone of the franchise overnight guy. You don’t get many chances to land someone like that.
Final Thought
There’s still a lot of football left this season, and plenty of dominoes have to fall before any of this becomes a real possibility. But if Harbaugh becomes available-and if he’s open to a new challenge-the Giants should be first in line.
It’s not often that a coach with his track record hits the market. And for a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels for far too long, this might be the kind of bold move that finally gets them back on track.
The future is uncertain. But if Harbaugh’s future isn’t in Baltimore, the Giants need to make sure they’re part of the conversation.