At a Glance
- John Harbaugh signs a five-year contract to become the New York Giants head coach.
- The 63-year-old leaves Baltimore after 18 seasons, 180 wins, and a Super Bowl title.
- Giants have cycled through six coaches and posted eight losing records since 2015.
- Why it matters: The franchise hopes Harbaugh can unlock a young core led by rookie QB Jaxson Dart.
The New York Giants have their new leader. John Harbaugh and the club finalized a five-year deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday.
Harbaugh’s First Words as Giants Coach
“This is the New York Giants,” Harbaugh told ESPN. “I’m proud and honored to be the head coach of this historic franchise, and especially excited to work with the Mara and Tisch families. But most of all, I can’t wait to get started with the great players on this football team to see what we can accomplish together.”
From Baltimore to the Big Apple
Harbaugh, 63, was fired by the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 6 after 18 seasons. His résumé with the Ravens:
- 180-113 regular-season record
- 12 playoff appearances
- Super Bowl victory in February 2013
Before becoming a head coach, Harbaugh spent years as a special teams coordinator. He will need to hire offensive and defensive coordinators to shape the Giants’ identity. Nine of his former assistants have gone on to become NFL head coaches.
A Decade of Struggles for the Giants
Since parting with Tom Coughlin after the 2015 season, the Giants have:
- Used six different head coaches (including two interims)
- Reached the playoffs twice
- Won a single postseason game
- Posted eight losing records over 10 years
Brian Daboll was dismissed mid-season in 2025 after compiling a 20-40-1 mark across three-and-a-half years. Interim coach Mike Kafka closed the year 2-5, ending on a two-game win streak.
Young Core Offers Hope
Despite recent woes, the roster features several ascending talents:
- Jaxson Dart, rookie QB – 24 total touchdowns
- Cam Skattebo, rookie RB – 7 total touchdowns
- Malik Nabers, WR – age 22
- Andrew Thomas, OT – age 26
- Brian Burns, DE – age 27
- Abdul Carter, OLB – age 22
Harbaugh has thrived developing young quarterbacks. He won a Super Bowl with Joe Flacco, drafted months after Harbaugh took the Ravens job. Lamar Jackson captured two league MVPs under Harbaugh’s watch, though postseason success eluded them.
Off-Season Outlook
The Giants hold the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Obvious needs include offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. Key players scheduled for free agency in March:
- Wan’Dale Robinson, receiver
- Jermaine Eluemunor, offensive lineman
Key Takeaways
- Harbaugh’s five-year deal signals long-term commitment from ownership.
- His track record with young QBs pairs well with Jaxson Dart’s promise.
- The Giants’ last 10 years have produced more coaching changes than playoff wins.
- A premium draft slot and cap space give Harbaugh immediate tools to reshape the roster.
