John Harbaugh is heading to New York, and with him comes the promise of a new era for the Giants. The longtime Ravens head coach is finalizing a deal to take over Big Blue, and if his track record in Baltimore tells us anything, it’s that he’s not just bringing a resume - he’s bringing a blueprint. A Super Bowl champion, a former Coach of the Year, and a proven leader, Harbaugh now has the chance to build out a staff capable of turning the Giants into contenders again.
And all eyes are on who he’ll bring in to run the defense.
Todd Monken Expected to Join as OC
First things first - it looks like Harbaugh isn’t coming alone. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to follow him from Baltimore to New York.
That’s a big win for the Giants’ offense, which has struggled to find rhythm and identity in recent years. Monken’s creative play-calling and ability to adapt to his personnel could be a game-changer, especially with a young core that needs direction.
But as much as Monken’s arrival matters, the bigger question might be who takes over the defense.
Two Strong Candidates for DC: Jim Leonhard and Anthony Weaver
The Giants’ defense had its moments last season, but inconsistency - especially in crunch time - derailed any real momentum. The unit gave away winnable games against teams like the Broncos, Bears, and Lions. Shane Bowen’s system just didn’t click, and now Harbaugh has the opportunity to reset the tone on that side of the ball.
Two names are emerging as top candidates: Jim Leonhard and Anthony Weaver. Both bring strong credentials and ties to Harbaugh, and both offer very different strengths.
Let’s start with Jim Leonhard. A former NFL safety who carved out a solid playing career after going undrafted in 2005, Leonhard is no stranger to Harbaugh.
The two crossed paths in 2008 when Leonhard was part of the Ravens’ secondary. After retiring, Leonhard returned to Wisconsin - where he once starred as a player - and quickly rose through the coaching ranks.
He became the Badgers’ defensive coordinator and even served as interim head coach in 2022.
Leonhard has since joined Sean Payton’s staff in Denver, where he currently serves as assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator. His experience developing secondaries and his ability to lead a defense make him an intriguing option, especially for a Giants team that could be looking to bolster its back end.
Then there’s Anthony Weaver, currently the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins. Weaver also has Ravens ties, having coached under Harbaugh as the team’s defensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2021. He was promoted to assistant head coach for the 2022 and 2023 seasons before heading to Miami in 2024.
Weaver’s connection to Harbaugh runs deep, and his recent experience as a DC in the league gives him a leg up. He’s known for his work with defensive fronts - and that’s where the Giants’ strength lies. With playmakers like Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux anchoring the line, Weaver’s background could mesh perfectly with the personnel already in place.
Unlocking Abdul Carter and Maximizing the Front Seven
Whoever gets the nod as defensive coordinator will walk into a room with talent - but also expectations. One of the biggest priorities will be unlocking the full potential of Abdul Carter.
The rookie linebacker flashed late in the season under interim DC Charlie Bullen, but never quite found his footing under Bowen. Carter’s development could be a major swing factor for the defense in 2026.
There’s also the question of how to best deploy the Giants’ defensive line trio. Burns, Lawrence, and Thibodeaux are a nightmare on paper, but the team hasn’t consistently turned that potential into production. That’s where someone like Weaver - with his hands-on experience coaching defensive lines - could make a real impact.
Still, Leonhard shouldn’t be counted out. If the Giants are eyeing a secondary overhaul, especially with the possibility of drafting a player like Caleb Downs with the fifth overall pick, Leonhard’s expertise in the defensive backfield could be exactly what they need.
Harbaugh’s First Big Decision in New York
This is where Harbaugh’s vision starts to take shape. He’s got the reins now, and assembling the right staff is step one in building a culture that can win. Whether it’s Leonhard, Weaver, or even a surprise name, the decision at defensive coordinator will say a lot about the kind of team Harbaugh wants the Giants to be.
One thing’s for sure: after nearly two decades in Baltimore, Harbaugh knows how to build a staff. Now, he gets to do it in New York - and the Giants’ future starts with the calls he makes in the coming days.