As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, one name drawing plenty of attention is Anthony Weaver - and not just for head coaching gigs. While Weaver’s been in the mix for top jobs this cycle, there’s growing buzz that John Harbaugh, once he officially lands with the Giants, has Weaver on his radar for defensive coordinator.
That connection makes a lot of sense. Weaver, 45, has deep roots in the league and a history with the Ravens organization that overlaps with Harbaugh’s tenure.
Drafted by Baltimore in the second round back in 2002, Weaver spent seven seasons in the league as a defensive lineman for the Ravens and Texans. He’s been around the block as both a player and coach - and that kind of experience tends to resonate in NFL front offices.
Weaver’s coaching journey started in 2010 at Florida, where he broke in as a graduate assistant. From there, he climbed the ladder quickly: assistant defensive line coach with the Jets, short stints with the Bills and Browns, and then a significant run with the Texans. Houston promoted him to defensive coordinator in 2020, a move that put him on the radar as one of the league’s rising defensive minds.
After his time in Houston, Weaver reunited with Baltimore in 2021, this time as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach. He spent three seasons in that role before taking over as Miami’s defensive coordinator in 2024.
Now, let’s talk results. In 2025, Weaver’s Dolphins defense had its share of struggles.
Miami ranked 22nd in total yards allowed, 24th in points allowed, 18th against the pass, and 26th against the run. Not exactly top-tier numbers, but context matters.
Injuries, personnel changes, and scheme transitions all play a role in those rankings - and coaches around the league know it.
What stands out with Weaver isn’t just the stats on paper, but the respect he commands in locker rooms and front offices. He’s known as a high-energy, detail-oriented coach who connects with players and brings a physical, disciplined edge to his units. That could be exactly what Harbaugh is looking to bring to the Giants - a defensive identity rooted in toughness and fundamentals.
If Harbaugh and Weaver do team up in New York, it wouldn’t just be a reunion of former Ravens - it would be a calculated move to build a staff with shared philosophy and proven chemistry. And in today’s NFL, continuity and trust between head coach and coordinator can be the difference between a quick rebuild and a prolonged struggle.
Weaver’s name will keep popping up in head coaching conversations - and rightfully so. But don’t be surprised if his next move is as a top lieutenant on a Harbaugh-led staff, helping to reshape a Giants defense that’s searching for its next identity.