NY Giants Hire John Harbaugh as Head Coach

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John Harbaugh agreed ‌Saturday to become coach of the New York Giants, finalizing the big-market franchise’s pursuit of its top candidate.

Owners John Mara and Steve tisch made the hire ​official less‍ than 72 hours after a lengthy interview and dinner⁤ with Harbaugh. The ⁤sides began working on a contract Wednesday night when it‌ was‌ clear Harbaugh was a fit and he ‍canceled meetings⁢ with other teams.

Harbaugh is expected to report directly to ownership,rather than general manager Joe Schoen.

“To serve as this franchise’s head coach ‌is a tremendous honor,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “I come from a ⁤football family, and I⁤ have deep ⁤respect for the history and tradition of this association.”

Harbaugh joins the Giants less than two weeks after⁣ being fired by‍ the Baltimore Ravens, ⁤who made the playoffs 12 times in‌ 18 seasons with him and won⁢ the Super Bowl in 2012. Baltimore ⁢missed the postseason this year due to ⁤a missed kick in the season finale, leading to the change.

Schoen and the Giants quickly pursued Harbaugh, flying him in on co-owner Steve Tisch’s ⁢private plane. He spent several hours at‌ the ⁣team‌ facility, spoke ⁤with quarterback Jaxson Dart, and had dinner at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant.

Harbaugh ​now aims to turn ⁢around the Giants, who have made just ⁣two playoff ‌appearances in the past 12 years.‍ Todd Monken could follow him from baltimore as offensive coordinator, depending on opportunities in Cleveland or elsewhere.

“Joe Schoen presented us an outstanding group of candidates, which allowed us to be deliberate ‍and confident in this decision,” Mara said. “Through numerous conversations, John consistently stood out for his conviction and vision ⁣for leading a winning organization.”

Harbaugh was chosen over Kevin​ Stefanski, Mike McCarthy, Raheem Morris and Antonio Pierce, becoming​ available​ after the 63-year-old ⁢was let go by Baltimore. the chance to ‍work with stable‌ ownership and Dart made New‍ York ‌an attractive destination.

“John is a proven winner‍ whose teams are disciplined, resilient, and prepared,” Tisch said. “his​ passion for the game, his ability to connect with players, and his experience made him an outstanding fit for us, and we’re ⁤excited to move ‌forward together.”

The Giants have talent on both sides of⁢ the ball,including running back ⁤Cam Skattebo,receiver Malik‌ Nabers,and‌ left tackle Andrew Thomas ⁢on offense,plus pass rushers Brian Burns ‌and Abdul Carter and nose tackle Dexter Lawrence on defense.They also have the fifth pick ​in the draft.

Changing the losing ⁣culture that has ‍plagued the team for the last decade is now Harbaugh’s task. The seven coaches who⁣ followed 2007 and ’11 Super Bowl champion Tom coughlin have gone 45-105-1.

Harbaugh is 193-124 in 317 games as taking over the Ravens in 2008. He previously spent 10 ⁣seasons as an assistant with Philadelphia.

Schoen said the search wasn’t ⁣limited to offensive or defensive minds. Harbaugh provides the all-around coaching schoen sought,⁤ along with a championship pedigree.

This is Schoen’s second hire after bringing Brian Daboll⁤ in January ​2022.Ownership fired⁢ Daboll​ on Nov. 10⁤ after the Giants lost eight of ⁤their first 10 games. Mike Kafka coached out the season​ as⁢ interim replacement,and the team finished ‍4-13.

Almost no one was compared with Harbaugh, giving the Giants an off-field win.

“Throughout ‌our ⁣conversations, John stood out for his clarity, competitiveness ⁤and approach for building a sustainable winning program,” Schoen said.”He has a strong ⁤track record of developing players,building cohesive staffs,and setting a clear standard of accountability. We are excited to work with John in moving this⁤ team in the right direction.”