John Harbaugh didn’t just take the job in New York to fill a headset-he came to build something. And based on the offensive coaching staff he’s assembled with the Giants, it’s clear he’s not wasting any time. This isn’t just a group of assistants-it’s a think tank of football minds, stacked with former head coaches and seasoned coordinators, all brought together with one mission: develop Jaxson Dart and unlock the full potential of a young, promising offense.
Let’s break it down.
A Staff Built for Growth-and Wins
Harbaugh, a Super Bowl-winning head coach with nearly two decades of experience in Baltimore, is bringing his trademark structure and leadership to the Giants. But what really jumps off the page is the depth of experience surrounding him on the offensive side.
Matt Nagy is set to call plays as offensive coordinator, bringing with him a résumé that includes a Coach of the Year award in Chicago and two Super Bowl rings from his time working under Andy Reid in Kansas City. Nagy’s system leans heavily on a West Coast foundation-quick reads, rhythm throws, and spacing concepts that create yards after the catch. It’s tailor-made for a young quarterback like Dart, who’s still refining his timing and decision-making.
But here’s the thing: while Nagy’s pass game can light up a scoreboard, his run game has historically left something to be desired. That’s where Greg Roman enters the picture.
Roman, a senior offensive assistant, isn’t just a run-game specialist-he’s one of the best in the business. From Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco to Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, Roman has built dominant ground attacks that redefine how defenses prepare.
He won’t be calling plays, but his fingerprints will be all over the Giants’ rushing identity. If Nagy is designing the air attack, Roman is laying the foundation on the ground.
Together, they form a fascinating offensive pairing-two minds that, if aligned correctly, could give the Giants a truly balanced and unpredictable offense.
The Quarterback Whisperer
While Nagy and Roman handle the scheme, Brian Callahan’s role is crystal clear: mold Jaxson Dart into a franchise quarterback.
Callahan brings serious QB development chops. He’s worked with Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, and most notably, Joe Burrow during his time as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati. His focus will be on Dart’s mechanics, footwork, and ability to process the field-essential tools for a second-year quarterback trying to make the leap.
Callahan also has a knack for blending college concepts into NFL systems, which is key for a player like Dart who’s still transitioning from the tempo and spacing of the college game. If Dart is going to take that next step, Callahan’s guidance could be the difference between a sophomore slump and a breakout season.
Building from the Trenches Out
Of course, none of this works without protection up front. The Giants brought in Mike Bloomgren, the former head coach at Rice and a longtime offensive line coach, to take over the trenches.
Bloomgren replaces Carmen Bricillo and brings a wealth of experience in both NFL and college systems. His job?
Build a cohesive unit that can keep Dart upright and open lanes for a potentially dynamic run game.
Backing him up is Grant Newsome, a rising coach who helped develop Joe Moore Award-winning units at Michigan. That’s the kind of pedigree you want when you’re trying to establish physical dominance at the line of scrimmage.
Weapons on the Outside and in the Backfield
The Giants’ young core is loaded with potential. Jaxson Dart is the headliner, but he’s not alone.
Running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and hybrid weapon Tyrone Tracy Jr. all bring unique skill sets to the table. They’ve shown flashes, no doubt-but consistency is the next step.
To help get them there, the Giants added more experienced voices to the staff.
Chad Hall, who’s worked with Stefon Diggs and Brian Thomas Jr., takes over as wide receivers coach. He’s known for his detail-oriented approach and ability to connect with players.
Tim Kelly, the new tight ends coach, brings play-calling experience from Houston and Tennessee. And Willie Taggart, a former college head coach with a long history of developing running backs, takes over the backfield.
This isn’t just about teaching Xs and Os. This is about development-refining route running, improving blitz pickups, teaching situational awareness. These coaches have done it before, and now they’re being asked to do it again in New York.
A Collaborative Blueprint
Harbaugh’s approach is bold. In a league where too many voices can muddy the message, he’s betting on experience and collaboration.
With three former offensive coordinators-two of whom have been head coaches-this staff isn’t lacking in ideas. But there’s a clear structure in place: Nagy runs the offense, Roman shapes the run game, Callahan develops the quarterback, and Harbaugh oversees it all.
What makes this setup intriguing is the schematic overlap. All three of these minds have worked in systems that emphasize motion, misdirection, and marrying the run and pass game. That shared language should help them build a cohesive identity rather than a patchwork playbook.
The Bottom Line
The Giants aren’t just trying to improve-they’re trying to evolve. And they’re doing it by surrounding their young talent with some of the most experienced and innovative minds available.
If Jaxson Dart is going to take the next step, this is the kind of support system that can help him do it. If the offensive line can gel, if the run game finds its rhythm, and if the pass game clicks under Nagy’s direction, this could be one of the more intriguing offenses in the league by the time the season hits full stride.
There’s a long way to go. But one thing’s clear: Harbaugh isn’t leaving anything to chance. He’s building something big in New York-and it starts with this coaching staff.