The New York Giants’ reported pursuit of veteran coach John Harbaugh has sparked both excitement and caution across the NFL.
Following a disappointing 2025 season, the Giants parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll and immediately set their sights on Harbaugh, recently released by the Baltimore Ravens after an 18-year tenure.
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Harbaugh‘s time in Baltimore was marked by consistent success, including multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory, making him one of the league’s most respected and experienced coaches.
Despite his long rsum, not everyone is convinced that Harbaugh is the right choice for New York. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has been vocal about his concerns, acknowledging Harbaugh‘s accomplishments but questioning the narrative that this hiring is a guaranteed turning point for the Giants.
On First Take, Smith emphasized that while Harbaugh is undeniably talented, the way his tenure in Baltimore ended cannot be ignored.
He suggested that the circumstances surrounding Baltimore’s decision to part ways with him raise important questions about whether he had lost influence in the locker room or simply reached the natural end of a long, successful run.
Smith‘s point underscores a common theme in professional sports: past success does not automatically guarantee future results. The Giants appear confident, however, and are reportedly offering Harbaugh a five-year deal approaching $100 million, signaling their belief in his ability to reshape the franchise.
Negotiations are ongoing, with contract details still being finalized, including the extent of Harbaugh‘s authority and his role in team operations.
Debating Harbaugh’s fit in New York
Even with Smith‘s caution, the Giants’ front office is moving aggressively. General manager Joe Schoen and ownership have been praised for a strategic approach to secure Harbaugh over competing teams, demonstrating that they see this as a critical hire for the franchise’s future.
New York boasts promising young talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, and holds a strong draft position, factors that could make this a productive environment for Harbaugh‘s coaching style.
Analysts note that his experience navigating high-pressure situations in Baltimore could help maximize the team’s potential and provide stability to a franchise hungry for success.
However, voices like Smith‘s serve as a reminder that a coach’s past achievements, no matter how impressive, cannot erase recent questions about performance or leadership. Harbaugh‘s challenge in New York will be to build on his storied legacy while addressing concerns about the circumstances that ended his tenure in Baltimore.
How he adapts to a new team, culture, and roster will determine whether this high-profile hire becomes a turning point or a cautionary tale.
The coming months will reveal whether Harbaugh‘s proven track record can translate to success with the Giants. For now, the NFL community watches closely as New York embarks on one of the most intriguing coaching transitions in recent memory.
