On Tuesday afternoon, John Harbaugh took the stage for his introductory press conference at the New York Giants indoor practice facility in front of the media, players, and front office, where he was announced as the franchise’s next head coach.
During the press conference, Harbaugh outlined his plans and vision for the team going forward, how he hopes to build the culture from day one with the G-Men, and why he chose this opportunity in New York. He, of course, mentioned Jaxson Dart and why he looks forward to working with him.
He also thanked the Mara and Tisch families for this opportunity and offered high praise for Joe Schoen, saying he was 'very impressed' and looks forward to working with him. Harbaugh gave a positive press conference all around, but one response that stood out was his response about assembling a coaching staff and what he looks for in his coordinators and assistant coaches.
What John Harbaugh is looking for in his coordinators with the Giants
When asked about what he is looking for in coordinators and assistant coaches, Harbaugh stated that interviews will begin tomorrow. And it's clear that his past coaching connections hold a lot of weight.
“There are great coaches on this staff that we look forward to talking to. We will be talking to people across the league and in Baltimore, obviously, and we will build the very best coaching staff that we can.”
Many expect Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken to follow Harbaugh to New York to become the Giants’ OC, but you can imagine Big Blue’s regime will have several candidates interviewing in their facilities over the next few days. Monken would be a fantastic addition to Harbaugh’s staff, working with Dart as he did with Lamar Jackson over the last few seasons.
For the Giants' defensive coordinator job, two names who stand out are Jim Leonhard and Anthony Weaver. Leonhard played under Harbaugh in 2008 and has been with the Denver Broncos since 2024 as the assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator under Sean Payton.
Weaver, on the other hand, worked with Harbaugh in Baltimore for three seasons as the assistant head coach, defensive line coach, and run game coordinator, and was most recently the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator.
One coach that Harbaugh could retain on the Giants staff is offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who has done a tremendous job since joining the team two years ago. He is under contract for 2026 and is prepared to return to the G-Men next season. Protecting Dart should be the No. 1 priority, so why not bring back the coach who has worked well with the o-line?
"My dad always said it starts with teachers; coaches are teachers first. The ability to teach, the ability to take a well-organized vision or a structure that’s put together really well, so the players can play fast and play around their skill set.
You have to create something like that and present it to the guys and train in a way that the guys can get out there and play with a lot of confidence,” Harbaugh said.
Whoever Harbaugh chooses as his coordinators and assistant coaches, you have to believe it will be the right decision, and he will assemble the best staff possible that the players will buy into. For now, the Giants’ new head coach will be hard at work, reshaping the team and building a staff that will help him bring championships back to New York.