Brian Callahan is headed to New York, and if you're a Giants fan, that should get your attention.
The former Titans head coach is joining John Harbaugh’s staff as the team’s new quarterbacks coach, bringing with him a track record that includes working with the likes of Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, Andy Dalton, and Derek Carr. Now, he’s teaming up with offensive coordinator Matt Nagy to help shape the future of the Giants' most important position - and that means all eyes are on second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Callahan actually interviewed for the OC gig before Harbaugh handed it to Nagy, but there’s clearly no bad blood. Instead, the Giants now have a pair of experienced offensive minds collaborating to unlock Dart’s potential. And make no mistake: this hire is all about getting the most out of the young quarterback.
Callahan’s résumé reads like a who's who of NFL passers - from proven veterans to raw rookies. Whether it was Stafford in Detroit, Burrow in Cincinnati, or even Cam Ward during his development, Callahan has consistently been trusted with guiding quarterbacks through key stages of their careers. That experience is invaluable for a player like Dart, who showed flashes in his rookie season but still has a long road ahead.
So what can Giants fans realistically expect from Dart in Year 2 under this new offensive brain trust?
Let’s break it down.
Jaxson Dart’s 2026 Outlook: Low, Middle, and High-End Projections
These projections aren’t just pulled out of thin air. They’re rooted in a decade’s worth of quarterback data from Callahan and Nagy’s past offenses.
We’re talking about full-season samples from guys like Stafford, Burrow, Dalton, Levis, and even backups like Jake Browning and Brandon Allen. The idea here is to map out a realistic range of outcomes based on usage, efficiency, and Dart’s own rookie-year foundation.
Let’s start at the floor.
Low-End Projection: Growing Pains, But Progress
- Pass Attempts: 505
- Passing Yards: 3,350
- Passing TDs: 21
- INTs: 12
- QB Rating: 89.5
- Rushing Yards: 420
- Rushing TDs: 6
This version of Dart doesn’t take a full Year 2 leap, but he holds his ground. The offensive system installs smoothly, but the growing pains linger - maybe the protection isn’t consistent, or the supporting cast doesn’t quite gel.
We’ve seen this movie before with Callahan’s past projects: Jake Browning, Brandon Allen, early-stage Will Levis. The volume is there, but the efficiency lags behind.
The interception total creeps into the low double digits, which fits the profile of Callahan and Nagy’s history with aggressive quarterbacks. Dart still makes plays with his legs - that part of his game isn’t going away - but the passing game feels more like survival mode than a breakout.
In this scenario, he’s not losing the job, but he’s not locking it down long-term either. It’s a “still figuring it out” season.
Middle Projection: Steady Growth, Solid Starter
- Pass Attempts: 545
- Passing Yards: 3,850
- Passing TDs: 27
- INTs: 11
- QB Rating: 94.8
- Rushing Yards: 475
- Rushing TDs: 7
This is the sweet spot - the most realistic leap based on historical Year 2 jumps under Callahan. Think Joe Burrow’s second year in Cincinnati, just scaled to Dart’s current trajectory. The passing volume ticks up, the touchdowns follow, and the interception rate stabilizes.
Nagy’s influence shows up here, too. His offenses - especially in Kansas City - weren’t afraid to push the ball downfield, and he’s always found ways to incorporate quarterback mobility when it’s available.
Dart wouldn’t suddenly become a statue in the pocket. The run game would still be part of the plan, but more structured and less improvisational.
In this range, Dart starts to look like a reliable starter. He’s not lighting up the league, but he’s clearly progressing - and giving the Giants something to build on.
High-End Projection: The Leap
- Pass Attempts: 575
- Passing Yards: 4,350
- Passing TDs: 33
- INTs: 10
- QB Rating: 101.2
- Rushing Yards: 525
- Rushing TDs: 7
This is the dream scenario - and it’s not out of reach.
If Dart processes faster in Year 2, if the offensive line holds up, and if the weapons around him stay healthy, this is what the breakout could look like. Callahan has overseen high-efficiency, high-volume seasons before.
Nagy, when he has the right guy, isn’t afraid to let him sling it. This is where they let Dart cook.
The key here is growth without recklessness. Both Callahan and Nagy have worked with quarterbacks who push the ball but don’t live in turnover territory. If Dart can master that balance - using his legs as a weapon in the red zone and gaining more command at the line - we’re talking about a Pro Bowl-caliber season.
Not MVP-level just yet, but enough to change the narrative around the Giants and their young quarterback.
The Bigger Picture: Harbaugh’s Offensive Overhaul
Harbaugh didn’t just hire Callahan in a vacuum. He’s assembled a full offensive think tank, with Matt Nagy at the helm and additional minds like Greg Roman, Tim Kelly, and Willie Taggart in the building. That’s a lot of experience, a lot of philosophies, and a lot of creative firepower aimed at one goal: developing Jaxson Dart and modernizing the Giants’ offense.
It’s been a long time since the Giants had a quarterback room this well-supported. Now, it’s on Dart to take the next step - and with Callahan and Nagy guiding him, he’s got a real shot.
For the first time in a while, it feels like Big Blue has a plan. And more importantly, the people in place to execute it.