It didn't take long to figure out who the New York Giants' preferred head coaching candidate was when John Harbaugh's time with the Baltimore Ravens concluded. They were not the only ones coveting the experienced coach, whose reputation in league circles needs no introduction.
However, they got their guy.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Giants are working on the finer details to make Harbaugh their next head coach. He's cancelled meetings with both the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons, and once the contract side of things is worked out, an official announcement will follow.
Giants shake NFL to its foundations with sensational John Harbaugh hire
To say this received a positive reaction from the Giants' fan base would be an understatement. This was the statement of intent they wanted. And looking at how other influential, experienced coaches have fared in Year 1 with their new clubs, it could see them instantly enter the playoff picture.
Dan Quinn took the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game in his first year. Mike Vrabel has led the New England Patriots to a remarkable turnaround in a few short months that could go all the way this time around. The Giants have pieces; they just need the right head coach to install the correct culture.
Harbaugh is the perfect guy. There aren't many coaches around the league with such an exceptional reputation. He's a players' coach who stood the test of time in Baltimore. Things eventually ran their course, but the coaching fire still burns brightly within.
Now, his task is far different.
His job is to get the Giants trending upward quickly. They have a potential franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart. They boast an elite wide receiver (Malik Nabers) and a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle (Andrew Thomas). Add in their outstanding defensive playmakers, and it's not hard to see why Harbaugh thought this was the perfect spot to kickstart his coaching career immediately.
There will be jubilant scenes across the Big Apple when Harbaugh signs on the dotted line. This is the leader of men Brian Daboll wasn't, despite his accomplished coaching credentials. It's also a sign that the Giants aren't going to wait around.
Those in power believe the most important pieces are already in place. They believe a few more enticing additions can help them get into the NFC East championship picture. They believe the structure is in place.
In Harbaugh, they now have the right head coach to achieve these objectives. And make no mistake; the entire NFL should be on notice.