The John Harbaugh era in New York is officially underway, and with it comes the kind of sweeping changes you’d expect when a veteran head coach takes the reins of a struggling franchise. Coaching turnover, fresh faces, and a new vision are all part of the early blueprint. But just a few weeks into the rebuild, Harbaugh has already hit his first real snag - and it’s coming from a familiar place.
According to reports, several members of the Giants’ coaching staff have been informed they won’t be returning next season. That includes special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, which doesn’t come as a shock considering the unit’s prolonged struggles. Whether it was shaky coverage, inconsistent kicking, or a return game that rarely flipped field position, the Giants’ special teams have been a weak link for years.
Harbaugh had a clear solution in mind: bring in someone he knows, trusts, and who’s proven he can elevate a special teams unit. Enter Chris Horton, the Ravens’ special teams coordinator - a coach Harbaugh helped groom in Baltimore and someone who’s built one of the league’s most consistent third-phase operations since 2019.
It made all the sense in the world. But there was one problem: Baltimore wasn’t letting him go.
The Ravens have blocked Horton from making a lateral move to New York, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. And they didn’t stop there. Baltimore reportedly also blocked other special teams assistants, including Anthony Levine Sr. and Randy Brown, from exploring opportunities elsewhere - at least until a new head coach is in place.
For Harbaugh, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Special teams isn’t just a box to check for him - it’s part of his football DNA.
He came up through the league as a special teams coach, and he knows firsthand how critical that phase can be, especially for a team trying to claw its way back to relevance. Horton was more than a trusted colleague; he was a foundational piece Harbaugh wanted to build around.
Now, the Giants have to pivot. The search for a new special teams coordinator continues, and while there’s still time to find the right fit, this is the first real speed bump in what’s otherwise been a promising start to the offseason.
On the offensive side of the ball, things are trending more positively. All signs point to Todd Monken reuniting with Harbaugh in New York, this time as the Giants’ offensive coordinator.
That potential pairing is already generating buzz - and for good reason. Monken’s work with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore turned the Ravens into one of the most dynamic, balanced offenses in the league.
If he can bring that same energy and innovation to New York, it could be a game-changer for young quarterback Jaxson Dart.
There’s real optimism that Monken could unlock Dart’s potential in a way this franchise hasn’t seen in years. And while losing out on Horton stings, the chance to pair Harbaugh and Monken - two proven minds with a history of maximizing talent - might be the bigger story in the long run.
For now, the Giants will keep building. The vision is taking shape, even if the path hits a few bumps along the way.