The New York Giants are on the verge of landing the biggest prize of the 2026 NFL coaching carousel. Sources close to the situation confirm that the organization is finalizing a landmark agreement to hire former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as the franchise’s next leader. Following a marathon in-person interview on Wednesday that included a significant meeting with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants appear ready to hand the keys to the Super Bowl-winning veteran to stabilize a team reeling from a 4-13 campaign.
Giants Closing in on Harbaugh After Marathon Meeting
Momentum for the hire shifted into overdrive late Wednesday evening after Harbaugh spent over ten hours at the Giants' East Rutherford facility. The 63-year-old coach, who became a free agent on January 6 following an 18-season run with the Ravens, reportedly met with team owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, as well as General Manager Joe Schoen. While no pen has officially hit paper, insiders report that negotiations are in the final stages, with the deal expected to make Harbaugh one of the highest-paid coaches in NFL history—rumored to be in the ballpark of $20 million annually.
"The deal is not final, but barring any unforeseen setbacks, Harbaugh is expected to become the Giants' next head coach within the next 24 to 48 hours," a source familiar with the talks revealed. The move signals a massive shift in philosophy for New York, pivoting from first-time head coaches like Joe Judge and Brian Daboll to a proven commodity with 180 career regular-season wins.
The Jaxson Dart Connection: A Crucial Factor
Perhaps the most telling detail of Wednesday’s proceedings was the involvement of franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart. The rookie signal-caller, who was one of the few bright spots during a dismal 2025 season, was reportedly present for a portion of the interview process. This level of inclusion underscores the organization's commitment to building around their young star.
Dart’s rookie campaign—throwing for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and rushing for another 487 yards and nine scores—showed immense promise despite the team's struggles. Harbaugh’s history of adapting his offense to unique quarterback talents, most notably with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, made him the ideal candidate to maximize Dart's dual-threat skillset. The chemistry between the veteran coach and the 22-year-old quarterback was described as "immediate and productive" by those in the building.
Why Harbaugh Was the Top Target
New York's aggressive pursuit of Harbaugh stems from a desperate need for credibility and stability. After firing Brian Daboll in November following a 2-8 start, the Giants finished the season under interim coach Mike Kafka, limping to a 4-13 record. The franchise has not won a playoff game since 2022 and has churned through four head coaches in the last decade.
Harbaugh brings a resume that commands instant respect: a Super Bowl XLVII ring, 12 playoff appearances, and a .614 winning percentage over nearly two decades. His departure from Baltimore, following a disappointing 8-9 season where the Ravens missed the postseason, provided the Giants with a rare opportunity to hire a Hall of Fame-caliber coach without trading draft capital.
What’s Next for the Giants?
If the deal is finalized as expected, Harbaugh’s first order of business will be assembling a coaching staff capable of turning around a roster that ranked near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense in 2025. Speculation is already mounting that Harbaugh could bring trusted lieutenants from his Baltimore days or target high-profile coordinators looking for a fresh start.
For Giants fans, the arrival of John Harbaugh represents more than just a coaching hire; it is a declaration of intent. After years of rebuilding and uncertainty, New York is banking on Harbaugh’s proven culture-building ability to turn the page and return the franchise to relevance in the NFC East.
