Todd Monken Heads to Cleveland, But the Giants’ OC Search Is Far From Over
The New York Giants had their sights set on Todd Monken to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. But with Monken now heading to Cleveland, John Harbaugh and the Giants are forced to pivot.
And while losing out on a top target stings-especially one with Monken’s track record-it’s far from a death knell. In fact, it might just open the door to a different kind of opportunity.
Harbaugh’s first major hiring loss since joining Big Blue is a tough one, no doubt. Monken was seen as a potential cornerstone of a revamped Giants offense.
But the good news? There are still several intriguing candidates on the board, each bringing a unique blend of experience, familiarity, and upside.
Let’s break down five coaches who could be strong fits for the Giants’ OC job as they regroup and reload.
Willie Taggart - Giants Running Backs Coach
If the Giants are looking for continuity and familiarity, Willie Taggart is already in the building. Taggart has deep ties to the Harbaugh family-he played for Jack Harbaugh at Western Kentucky and has worked with both John and Jim during his coaching journey. That kind of trust and shared football DNA can’t be overlooked.
Taggart was already interviewed for the OC position earlier this offseason, so he’s clearly on the radar. While he might feel like more of a fallback option to some, he’s a legitimate candidate. He knows the system, knows the personnel, and could provide a seamless transition if the Giants want to keep things in-house while still evolving offensively.
Tee Martin - Ravens Quarterbacks Coach
Tee Martin’s name has been gaining steam across the league, and for good reason. He’s been with the Ravens for the past five seasons, first as wide receivers coach and now as quarterbacks coach. That means he’s worked closely with Lamar Jackson during the most productive stretch of the quarterback’s career-including his second MVP season in 2023 and a near-miss for a third in 2024.
Martin brings the kind of quarterback development chops that could be invaluable to a young signal-caller like Jaxson Dart. He understands how to build an offense around a dynamic QB, and his familiarity with Harbaugh’s coaching style makes him a natural fit.
The Giants wouldn’t be the first team to take notice-Martin has already drawn interest from the Lions and Commanders this cycle. If New York wants to get in the mix, the time is now.
Charlie Weis Jr. - LSU Offensive Coordinator
At just 32 years old, Charlie Weis Jr. has already built a strong résumé, especially when it comes to working with quarterbacks. He spent the last four seasons under Lane Kiffin, serving as offensive coordinator and QB coach, and he knows Jaxson Dart’s game inside and out. In fact, Weis coached Dart for all three of his seasons at Ole Miss, helping him break several of Eli Manning’s school records along the way.
Weis may not have extensive NFL experience-he had a brief stint with the Falcons as an offensive analyst-but his offensive mind is highly respected in college circles. He’s a rising star who could bring fresh ideas and a deep understanding of the Giants’ young quarterback. Sometimes, the obvious connection is the right one.
Nate Scheelhaase - Rams Pass Game Coordinator
If you’ve been anywhere near the NFL coaching carousel lately, you know how valuable a connection to Sean McVay has become. Nate Scheelhaase is the latest branch off the McVay coaching tree, and his stock is soaring. After just two seasons with the Rams, he’s already landed head coaching interviews with the Browns, Ravens, Bills, and Steelers.
Scheelhaase, a former Illinois quarterback, brings a modern approach to offensive football. He’s young (35), innovative, and has quickly earned respect across the league.
If Harbaugh wants to take a swing on a high-upside candidate with a fresh perspective, Scheelhaase could be the move. He’s not the most experienced option, but he’s got the kind of trajectory that makes you want to get in early.
Davis Webb - Broncos Pass Game Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach
Remember when Davis Webb was supposed to be Eli Manning’s heir apparent? While his NFL playing career never quite took off, Webb has found his calling on the sidelines. After transitioning to coaching in 2023, he joined Sean Payton’s staff in Denver and quickly made an impact, helping guide rookie QB Bo Nix to a breakout season and a trip to the AFC Championship Game.
Webb’s fingerprints are all over Nix’s development, and that kind of quarterback mentorship is exactly what the Giants are looking for. He’s also drawing plenty of interest-New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore have all requested interviews.
If the Raiders don’t scoop him up, Webb could be on the fast track to a major NFL OC role. The only caveat?
Sean Payton still calls plays in Denver, so even if Webb gets promoted there, it may not come with full autonomy. That could make the Giants job even more appealing.
The Bottom Line
Losing Todd Monken hurts, no doubt. But the Giants have options-good ones. Whether it’s promoting from within with Taggart, tapping into Harbaugh’s Ravens roots with Martin, reuniting Dart with Weis Jr., rolling the dice on a McVay disciple like Scheelhaase, or betting on the upside of a fast-rising Webb, the Giants are still in position to land a strong offensive mind.
This hire is critical-not just for Harbaugh’s staff, but for the development of Jaxson Dart and the future of the Giants offense. And while Plan A didn’t pan out, sometimes Plan B ends up being the better fit all along.