The New York Giants are closing in on a deal to hire John Harbaugh as their next head coach, with negotiations ongoing but momentum building toward an agreement, according to an ESPN report Wednesday night.
While contract details are still being finalized and no paperwork has been signed, sources told ESPN that both sides expect the process to reach the finish line barring an unexpected snag. One source characterized the talks as active and substantive, with issues still to be worked through.
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Harbaugh, 63, became available last week after an 18-season run with the Baltimore Ravens, where he compiled a 180–113 record, won a Super Bowl following the 2012 season and established one of the league’s most consistent teams.
The Giants, who have gone 7–27 over the past two seasons, identified Harbaugh as a priority target early in their search to replace Brian Daboll, who was fired in November. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka finished the season as interim coach.
New York brought Harbaugh to their East Rutherford, New Jersey, facility on Wednesday for an in-person interview that stretched most of the day. According to ESPN, the visit was viewed internally as productive, and the Giants’ ownership and football leadership have made a sustained push to land what they see as the most accomplished coach on the market.
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Harbaugh has drawn interest across the league since his dismissal, with multiple teams reaching out almost immediately. ESPN reported that Harbaugh has taken a measured approach to the process, weighing roster construction, quarterback outlook and organizational alignment before committing to his next stop.
One factor working in the Giants’ favor is their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who was involved in meetings during the interview process, per ESPN. New York also holds the fifth pick in the upcoming draft and have improving salary-cap flexibility over the next two offseasons.
If finalized, the hire would give the Giants one of the most experienced and successful head coaches in NFL. Harbaugh ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in victories and would arrive with a track record of stability and postseason success that the franchise has lacked in recent years.
Interviews of former Atlanta coach Raheem Morris and retired linebacker Antonio Pierce, who most recently coached the Las Vegas Raiders, satisfy the Rooney Rule for diverse external candidates and would allow the Giants to make any hire they choose at this point.
