The NFC East just got a serious jolt of energy - and it’s coming from East Rutherford.
After 18 seasons in Baltimore, John Harbaugh is heading to the New York Giants. The longtime Ravens head coach visited the Giants’ facility on Wednesday, and while he left without putting pen to paper, the writing was already on the wall. By nightfall, reports confirmed what many had suspected: Harbaugh was taking over in New York.
It’s not official yet, but it’s close enough to start talking about what this means - not just for the Giants, but for a division that’s already one of the most competitive in football.
A New Era in New York
Let’s start with the obvious: Harbaugh brings instant credibility to a franchise that’s been searching for stability. The Giants have cycled through head coaches in recent years, trying to find the right voice to lead a young, developing roster. Harbaugh’s track record speaks for itself - a Super Bowl title, consistent playoff appearances, and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams.
This isn’t a quick-fix hire. This is a foundational move.
The Giants aren’t a finished product by any means, but they do have intriguing young talent. One of the biggest questions Harbaugh will face right away is at quarterback.
Is Jaxson Dart the long-term answer? Harbaugh seems to believe in him, and that belief alone could be a game-changer for Dart’s development.
Harbaugh has worked with all kinds of quarterbacks - from Joe Flacco to Lamar Jackson - and knows how to build a system that plays to a QB’s strengths.
One name to keep an eye on as Harbaugh assembles his staff: Todd Monken. The two worked together in Baltimore, and Monken’s offensive creativity could be a perfect fit for a Giants team that needs a spark on that side of the ball.
The NFC East Coaching Landscape
With Harbaugh stepping in, here’s how the NFC East coaching lineup looks heading into 2026:
- Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer (Year 2)
- New York Giants: John Harbaugh (Year 1)
- Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni (Year 6)
- Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn (Year 3)
There’s continuity in Philly and Washington, but both teams are undergoing significant changes beneath the surface. The Eagles parted ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, and they’re aiming high with their replacement search. Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is reportedly at the top of their list, with Brian Daboll - fresh off his stint with the Giants - also in the mix.
Meanwhile, the Commanders promoted David Blough to replace Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and are actively searching for a new defensive coordinator. So while Quinn remains at the helm, his staff is getting a full reset.
In Dallas, the Cowboys are making changes on the defensive side after firing Matt Eberflus. That move puts added pressure on Schottenheimer and the offensive core - especially with free agency looming.
Divisional Dynamics: Who’s on Top?
Even with all the coaching turnover, the Eagles remain the team to beat - at least on paper. Their roster is still the most complete in the division, though they’ve got real questions at quarterback and now at offensive coordinator. Sirianni will be under pressure to keep the team’s identity intact while integrating new voices on the staff.
In Dallas, the focus is on maintaining their offensive firepower. CeeDee Lamb is already locked in as a top-tier receiver, but George Pickens is about to hit free agency - and he’s going to command a big number. If the Cowboys can find a way to keep Pickens alongside Lamb and Dak Prescott, they’ll continue to field one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.
Washington’s outlook hinges on the health and growth of Jayden Daniels. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year had a frustrating 2025, missing 10 games due to three separate injuries.
But when healthy, Daniels showed flashes of being a franchise cornerstone. GM Adam Peters has his work cut out for him this offseason, but the goal is clear: build a more durable, dynamic roster around Daniels and get this team back in the playoff conversation.
Harbaugh’s Impact: More Than Just a Name
Let’s be clear - Harbaugh’s arrival doesn’t automatically make the Giants contenders. But it does change the tone.
It signals a shift from rebuilding mode to reestablishing a winning culture. For a franchise that’s struggled to find its footing in recent years, that’s a big deal.
And beyond the Giants, Harbaugh’s presence raises the bar across the NFC East. He’s a proven winner, a program-builder, and a coach who knows how to get the most out of his players. That kind of leadership doesn’t just impact one team - it forces the rest of the division to take notice and elevate their game.
For too long, the NFC East has been a top-heavy division, with the Giants and Commanders often stuck at the bottom. That narrative might finally be changing. With Harbaugh in New York and a wave of coaching changes sweeping through the division, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.
Buckle up - the NFC East just got a whole lot more interesting.