The upcoming composition of John Harbaugh’s initial coaching staff with the New York Giants is likely to be a significant turning point, and many fans are eager to see how this new team will shape up. But here’s where it gets controversial… the entire process of assembling the staff involves intricate negotiations, strategic choices, and potential conflicts of interest that could spark debate among football enthusiasts and critics alike. Let’s explore what to expect as Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen dive into building their team, and what this means for the franchise’s future.
Immediately following Tuesday’s official introductory press conference, Giants head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen launched into the intensive task of constructing their coaching roster. On Wednesday, Harbaugh began meeting with the remaining staff members who were retained from Brian Daboll’s previous coaching setup, while simultaneously submitting lists of candidates—nearly twenty—whose backgrounds include assistant roles with the Baltimore Ravens. The current assumption is that most of Harbaugh’s new staff members in New York will largely come from his Baltimore roots, supplemented by a few familiar faces from the Giants’ former coaching unit.
Baltimore has granted permission for most interview requests, but not all. In a notable move, the Ravens have temporarily blocked Baltimore’s special teams coordinator, Chris Horton, from interviewing with the Giants—at least for now. This decision suggests that Horton might be considered a highly valued asset within Baltimore’s coaching staff, perhaps even sought after by other teams. Horton has been part of Harbaugh’s staff since 2014 and could be a prime candidate to stay if the new Ravens head coach prefers to retain him elsewhere. Interestingly, if the Ravens opt to keep Horton, it may open opportunities for other Ravens assistants, such as former inside linebackers coach Zach Orr, who previously served as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator for two seasons but had mixed results.
Looking ahead, the most probable addition to Harbaugh’s staff appears to be offensive coordinator Todd Monken, provided he does not accept the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns. Monken has been instrumental in Baltimore’s offensive schemes, and his move to New York could significantly influence the Giants’ offensive game planning.
The role of defensive coordinator is shrouded in intrigue, partly because Harbaugh has connections with several qualified candidates. Zach Orr, who previously worked under Harbaugh and served as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, might transition into the inside linebackers coach position if he misses out on the DC role. Anthony Weaver, who spent two seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator after three years coaching the Giants’ defensive line, is also a strong contender. Weaver has held titles like assistant head coach and run game coordinator during his tenure with Baltimore, and he’s currently exploring other head-coaching opportunities. His extensive NFL experience makes him an attractive option.
Other potential candidates include Daronte Jones (Vikings’ pass game coordinator), Joe Cullen (former Ravens’ defensive line coach and current Jaguars’ defensive coordinator), and Jim Leonhard (former Ravens safety and Wisconsin defensive coordinator). Though these names come from varied backgrounds, each brings a unique perspective and could fit into Harbaugh’s defensive blueprint.
A reunion with Rex Ryan, Harbaugh’s former defensive coordinator at Baltimore, has been suggested more as speculative fan conversation than a realistic target—especially considering Ryan’s long absence from the NFL since 2016. Such a move would likely be seen as a provocative pick and could spark debate about whether bringing back a coach from the past is the right strategic move.
When it comes to coaching positions, several Baltimore holdovers are considered probable candidates to follow Harbaugh to New York. These include quarterbacks coach Tee Martin, running backs coach Willie Taggart, defensive line coach Dennis Johnson, and offensive assistant Danny Breyer. Among the Giants’ existing staff, offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and tight ends coach Tim Kelly have been highly recommended to Harbaugh and could be part of his new team.
Greg Roman, who worked closely with Harbaugh for six seasons—including four as offensive coordinator—may also be considered for a specialized role like run-game coordinator, assuming there are no issues working alongside offensive coordinator Monken. Additionally, some speculate that Dave Clawson, head coach at Wake Forest, might also be a target for the coaching staff.
Within the next week, fans can expect these staffing details to come into clearer focus as Harbaugh, Schoen, and their respective assistants finalize their plans.
And this is the part most people miss… the changes extend beyond coaching staff to the Giants’ facilities and organizational structure. On Wednesday, there was a significant shakeup in the front office: Kevin Abrams, who had been part of the organization for 27 years and served as assistant GM since 2002, was let go. Abrams’ expertise in salary-cap management made him a highly valued member, and many believed he might ultimately succeed GM Joe Schoen. Despite his longstanding role, his responsibilities shifted slightly, and he remained involved in salary cap matters but no longer held a prominent front-office position.
Schoen clarified that no immediate plans exist to bring in anyone with ties to Harbaugh from Baltimore, indicating a focus on stability and internal growth rather than external influences, at least for now. Most scouts are still under contract through the upcoming draft, meaning most front-office changes will likely happen afterward.
Meanwhile, there’s positive news concerning the health of rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who suffered a severe injury last season involving a dislocated ankle, fibula fracture, and deltoid ligament rupture. Despite how devastating the injury looked, Schoen reports that Skattebo’s recovery should be straightforward, and he’s expected to be ready for the start of the offseason program in April. Conversely, wide receiver Malik Nabers, who tore his ACL and meniscus mid-season, faces a more uncertain timeline. While Schoen is hopeful Nabers will be ready to compete by training camp, recovery remains uncertain.
In terms of team morale and player engagement, roughly a dozen players attended Harbaugh’s introductory press conference, including several offensive linemen, a quarterback, running backs, and other key positions. Notably absent was starting quarterback Jaxson Dart; however, there have been positive reports of advanced communication between Dart and Harbaugh, with the coach expressing enthusiasm about Dart’s passion and football IQ. Harbaugh is particularly excited about Dart’s character and love for the game, suggesting that their relationship could develop into a productive mentorship.
Lastly, the Giants are also planning facility upgrades, with renovations already underway, including improvements to the cafeteria, locker room, and training areas. Last year’s NFLPA report gave the Giants’ locker room a below-average grade, citing outdated equipment and insufficient space—so these upgrades are a welcome change aimed at enhancing player comfort and performance.
Adding a special touch to the organization’s evolving identity, the Koch family—owners of a 10% stake in the Giants—initiated this week’s public visibility by reserving seats at Harbaugh’s press conference and openly speaking about their investment. Their minority ownership stake, acquired in October for around $1 billion, signals a new era of ownership diversity. Co-owner Chris Mara emphasized that their involvement won’t alter the team’s operations but marks a significant symbol of the franchise’s ongoing growth and ambitions.
So, in summary, the Giants are embarking on a transformative journey—both on and off the field. Whether you agree or disagree with some of the strategic choices, one thing is clear: this offseason could be one of the most pivotal in recent franchise history. What do you think about this new direction? Do you believe these moves will lead to success, or are they risky gambles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
