The New York Giants made a bold move this offseason, going all-in on landing one of the most respected coaching names in football. After John Harbaugh’s surprising exit from the Baltimore Ravens, the veteran head coach quickly became one of the hottest names on the market.
And the Giants? They didn’t waste any time making their pitch.
Harbaugh, who reportedly only intended to meet with a small group of teams, had the Giants on his shortlist. From the jump, New York made it clear they weren’t just interested-they were determined. According to reports earlier this week, the Giants offered Harbaugh a staggering $20 million per year, a number that not only turned heads but underscored just how serious they were about bringing him in to lead the franchise.
By Thursday night, it looked like the deal was all but done. Multiple reports indicated that Harbaugh and the Giants were finalizing terms, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter noting that the agreement was expected to be signed “barring a setback.”
Well, here we are-and that setback has arrived.
Negotiations between Harbaugh and the Giants have hit a snag, and it’s not a minor one. The issue?
Power dynamics at the top of the organization. Specifically, Harbaugh’s concerns about working alongside current general manager Joe Schoen.
This isn’t just a matter of personalities clashing-it’s about control over the team’s football operations. According to reports, Harbaugh entered the process with clear reservations about the current power structure in New York. And those concerns haven’t gone away.
The core of the standoff centers on how much authority Harbaugh would have in personnel decisions. During his time in Baltimore, Harbaugh worked closely with two of the best in the business-Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta.
He wasn’t just a coach; he was deeply involved in shaping the roster. So it’s no surprise that he’s not looking to take a backseat now, especially with his stock as high as it’s ever been.
Several sources have indicated that Harbaugh either wants Schoen removed or his role significantly reduced in a restructured front office. That’s a big ask-and one that’s reportedly causing major friction inside the Giants' building.
“There were rumblings on Friday that GM Joe Schoen’s role in this new dynamic could be one of the factors creating a hangup,” reported Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. “Harbaugh has more leverage right now than he has ever had before, and than he ever will have again.”
A league source put it bluntly: “Joe can’t negotiate. It becomes personal.”
That’s a strong statement-and one that paints a picture of a front office struggling to find common ground with a coach who knows exactly what he wants.
Giants insider Jordan Raanan added that both sides are still working through “organizational and operational issues,” with a “gap to close” before anything gets finalized.
Here’s the reality: Harbaugh is in the driver’s seat. He’s a proven winner with a Super Bowl ring, and he’s not going to take just any job. If the Giants want him-and they clearly do-they’re going to have to make some tough decisions about their internal structure.
And if this deal falls apart? It’s a tough look for a franchise that entered the offseason needing to make a statement. Harbaugh would’ve been that statement-a coach with credibility, experience, and the ability to change the culture overnight.
Now, instead of celebrating a major hire, the Giants are facing a very public power struggle. One that could define their offseason-for better or worse.