John Harbaugh Set to Lead Giants: A New Era Begins in New York
The first domino of the NFL coaching carousel has officially tipped, and it’s a big one. John Harbaugh is on the verge of becoming the next head coach of the New York Giants.
While the contract isn’t signed yet, it’s all but a formality at this point. Harbaugh canceled a scheduled interview with the Titans, signaling that his future lies in the Meadowlands.
This is more than just a coaching hire-it’s a statement. After years of instability and short-lived coaching tenures, the Giants are finally bringing in a proven winner. And they didn’t hold back in their pursuit.
From the jump, the Giants made it clear they weren’t going to let Harbaugh slip away. They were the first team to meet with him in person, flew him in on a private jet, and orchestrated a full-court press that included a sit-down with quarterback Jaxson Dart and a dinner with the team’s top brass. That kind of urgency tells you everything you need to know about how much they valued him-and how badly they needed him.
And let’s be honest: can you blame them?
Since Tom Coughlin stepped down, the Giants have cycled through Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll. None lasted more than four seasons.
None came close to matching the pedigree Harbaugh brings to the table. In 18 years with the Ravens, Harbaugh had just three losing seasons.
That’s the kind of consistency that’s been sorely lacking in New York, where the Giants have finished below .500 in 11 of the last 14 seasons since that 2011 Super Bowl run.
Harbaugh is expected to bring longtime offensive coordinator Todd Monken with him from Baltimore, a move that could jumpstart an offense that’s struggled to find its identity in recent years. And he’ll have real influence over the roster, too.
General manager Joe Schoen reportedly gave Harbaugh the green light to shape the team as he sees fit. That kind of autonomy is rare-and a clear sign the Giants are all-in on building around their new head coach.
Harbaugh, for his part, seems to feel good about the partnership. He reportedly told someone close to him that his conversations with Schoen left him confident they could work together. That’s a strong early sign for a team that’s been desperate for alignment between the front office and the coaching staff.
At 63, Harbaugh brings exactly what the Giants have been missing: experience, structure, and a winning pedigree. He’s not a rebuild guy-he’s a program builder. And if the Giants are going to climb back into relevance, they’ll need every bit of that leadership.
His introductory press conference is expected next week, and with his hiring, the first of the league’s nine coaching vacancies is about to be filled. But don’t expect the carousel to slow down-if anything, it’s just getting started.
Coaching Searches Heating Up Across the League
While the Giants locked in their top target, other teams are still deep in the hunt.
In Pittsburgh, the Steelers are casting a wide net. They’ve requested interviews with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores-who previously served as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach in Pittsburgh-along with Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver and Rams DC Chris Shula. All three bring different strengths, and the Steelers appear to be doing their due diligence to find the right fit.
Meanwhile, over in Philadelphia, the Eagles are looking to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. Two big names have emerged: former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll. Both bring innovative offensive minds to the table, and either could be a strong addition to a staff looking to regain its edge.
Jets Miss Out on Moore, Still Searching for QB Answers
Over in Florham Park, the Jets’ quarterback saga continues-and not in the way fans were hoping.
Dante Moore, projected to be the No. 2 quarterback in this year’s draft, has decided to return to Oregon. That’s a major blow for a Jets team still searching for its long-term answer under center. Moore didn’t directly cite the Jets as a reason for staying in school, but let’s just say the situation in New York probably didn’t help.
Here’s what Moore said about his decision:
“Since I was a four-year-old, I’ve dreamed of playing in the NFL... But I feel like coming back is the best thing for me, to make sure that when that day does happen, that I’m fully prepared, I’m able to go and play my best ball.”
With Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza expected to go No. 1 overall to the Raiders, the Jets now find themselves in a tricky spot. They still hold the No. 2 pick, but with Moore off the board, the quarterback pool thins out quickly.
According to draft analyst Dane Brugler, Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese could be a prime candidate for that pick. Reese, who played a hybrid role for the Buckeyes, brings speed, power, and versatility to the edge. He’s the kind of disruptive force that could elevate a defense still searching for an identity.
Of course, the Jets still need to figure out their quarterback situation. Here are their options:
- Draft a QB later in Round 1: Alabama’s Ty Simpson, projected to go No. 21 to Pittsburgh in Brugler’s mock, could be in play for the Jets’ second first-round pick at No. 16. Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss is another name to watch in the early rounds.
- Sign a free agent: The 2026 free-agent class isn’t exactly stacked, but there are some intriguing names. Daniel Jones and Malik Willis headline the group, and veterans like Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins could hit the market as cap casualties. There’s even a chance Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa becomes available via trade or release.
Right now, none of those options scream “franchise quarterback,” but the Jets may not have a choice. Our Jets beat reporter has Kirk Cousins pegged as the most likely target.
At 37, Cousins isn’t a long-term solution, but he’s coming off a solid stretch in Atlanta, where he went 12-10 over two seasons and ended on a four-game win streak. For a team that’s been starved for stability, that might be enough-for now.
And hey, if it doesn’t work out, there’s always next year. Moore could be back in the 2027 draft, and odds are the Jets will still be looking.
Quick Hits Around the League
- Mike Tomlin’s exit in Pittsburgh was nothing short of emotional. His final words to the team earned a standing ovation, a fitting send-off for one of the most respected coaches in the game.
- In Jacksonville, a local reporter’s gesture toward head coach Liam Coen sparked a wave of debate, but also led to a thoughtful piece by David Aldridge on the role of empathy in sports journalism.
- Seahawks legend Jon Ryan shared a fascinating look into the mental side of punting, including a great story about his first encounter with a rookie returner named Devin Hester. Spoiler: it didn’t go well.
- Grady Jarrett, the Bears’ veteran defensive tackle, summed it up best: “Pain makes a man.” His relentless mindset is exactly what new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson wants to instill across the roster.
Stay tuned-this offseason is just getting started.