The New York Giants have officially welcomed John Harbaugh as their new head coach, marking a significant shift in leadership within the franchise. Introduced on March 12, 2024, Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience, including 12 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory during his 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. His appointment comes with a lucrative five-year contract reportedly valued at around $100 million, reflecting both the expectations placed upon him and the power he will wield within the organization.
Traditionally, Giants coaches have reported to the general manager, who would then relay information to ownership. In a departure from this model, Harbaugh will have a direct line to the ownership group, allowing him significant influence over personnel decisions. This change is expected to foster a more collaborative environment between Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen, despite Harbaugh’s potentially stronger voice in discussions regarding team direction.
During the introductory press conference, Harbaugh acknowledged the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “To me, it’s really not that important in the big picture,” he stated. “I think it’s kind of overblown in terms of how it works. The main thing is that it works and we work together.” Harbaugh emphasized the shared responsibility among himself, Schoen, and ownership, underscoring that “we all report to the boss,” referring to the team’s ownership, the Mara and Tisch families.
With John Mara currently battling cancer, his brother Chris Mara took a more active role in the hiring process. Chris Mara engaged with Harbaugh several times, including a lunch facilitated by former Giants coach Tom Coughlin. This proactive approach was designed to ensure a thorough and thoughtful recruitment process.
While some may speculate about the distribution of power within the organization, Chris Mara clarified that Harbaugh does not possess “final say” on all decisions. “It’s collaborative,” he remarked. “If he has final say with everything in that building, he wouldn’t be able to do his job.” Instead, he will serve as a pivotal figure in the decision-making process, working in tandem with Schoen and the ownership group.
Schoen, who played an essential role in bringing Harbaugh to New York, expressed confidence in their working relationship. “I’ve been in the league for 26 years, so everywhere I’ve been, the head coach and general manager work together,” he noted. Schoen emphasized the importance of aligning their objectives for the benefit of the Giants, stating, “We need to work together, and we’re going to come to the final conclusion.”
Harbaugh is eager to begin his tenure and set a new tone within the organization. Upon entering the press conference, he made a point to greet several Giants players, including quarterback Jameis Winston. Harbaugh outlined his vision for the team, highlighting the need for players who genuinely love the game. “For me, the number one thing is we have to have guys that love football,” he explained. “This is a football team. We need guys that love everything about football.”
His experience with the Ravens and the principles instilled by his mentor, Andy Reid, have shaped his approach. Harbaugh noted that Reid’s successful tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs serves as a model for what he hopes to achieve in New York. Reid’s advice to Harbaugh was straightforward: “Change can be good.”
As Harbaugh embarks on this new chapter, the Giants organization is poised for transformation. With a strong track record and a clear vision, he aims to cultivate a culture that prioritizes passion and commitment to the sport, ultimately steering the franchise towards future success.
