The New York Giants turned to Ben McAdoo as head coach when they desperately needed a fresh face — and more importantly, a new voice. Their playoff drought had reached four seasons, and the losing-record streak extended to three, so it became crystal clear that something had to change.
Fast forward almost a decade to the day, and here the Giants are, in all too familiar territory. John Harbaugh was hired to take over a sinking ship, just like the one McAdoo briefly salvaged back in 2016. New York hasn't sniffed the postseason in the past three years, and only the Tennessee Titans have fewer wins during that stretch.
On the surface, the idea that a Harbaugh-led group is comparable to McAdoo and Co. might seem strange, if not disheartening. Nevertheless, there are more similarities between the two aforementioned Giants squads than fans might realize, or frankly want to admit. And we're not only talking about wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.'s presence on both rosters (for now), albeit at completely different stages of his career.
History doesn't repeat itself, though it sure does rhyme, as the saying goes.
John Harbaugh, Ben McAdoo took over Giants under similar circumstances despite different backgrounds
Of course, Harbaugh, a defensive-minded special teams coach by trade, comes with far greater credentials. He arrives in East Rutherford as a Super Bowl champion with the 14th-most wins in NFL history (180). His near two-decade run with the Baltimore Ravens stacks up with many of football's Hall of Fame sideline generals.
McAdoo was promoted in the aftermath of Giants legend Tom Coughlin's resignation. The former fared well in his original role as New York's offensive coordinator, but notably had no prior experience as the shot-caller.
However, both Harbaugh and McAdoo were brought in to provide a spark and steadiness for a club with the bones of a respected unit in place. They each inherited general managers who were under considerable pressure as New York sought stability after going off the rails. Their 3-8 mark in one-score games in 2015 and 1-7 in such scenarios in 2025 explain why Harbaugh/McAdoo stepped in.
John Harbaugh has the shiny toys Ben McAdoo once did
When McAdoo assumed the reins, the Giants' defense had several All-Pro-caliber contributors. Safety Landon Collins was an ascending second-year talent, and prized free-agent newcomer Olivier Vernon was an established high-end pass-rusher. Nose tackle Damon "Snacks" Harrison was a disruptor firmly in his prime and capable of hitting another gear (as he did).
Sound familiar?
New York's current outside linebacker trio of Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thidodeaux are Harbaugh's Vernon, Collins and Harrison, respectively. Sure, the positions don't line up, but the character profiles can describe either threesome.
Not to mention, McAdoo added an exciting first-round rookie in cornerback Eli Apple. Harbaugh gained two between hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
It's worth highlighting that the buzz surrounding Apple was ultimately short-lived. He struggled and didn't make it to a second contract with the G-Men. On the bright side, his shortcomings under McAdoo present a low bar for Reese and Mauigoa to clear with Harbaugh.
Hopefully, John Harbaugh's story doesn't end like Ben McAdoo's
Sadly, we have to take the full trip down memory lane; there's no selective recollection here. McAdoo's movie started so promisingly, like Harbaugh's has the potential to, before fizzling out dramatically.
In McAdoo's inaugural campaign at the helm, the Giants went 11-5 and made the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl XLVI in 2011. They didn't try to outscore opponents, finishing directly in the middle of the pack in total offensive plays. Nonetheless, the team interestingly ranked first in points per drive allowed (1.41) and was 29th in scoring on their own possessions (1.49).
Then the infamous boat picture — which still haunts Big Blue Nation to this day — happened. You know the exact one: Beckham and several Giants players were shirtless on a yacht, celebrating their achievements and posing for the camera.
From there, it was all downhill. New York got blown out of the building in an ugly 38-13 Wild Card shellacking by the Green Bay Packers merely days later. McAdoo was fired roughly 11 months later in the midst of a disastrous 2-10 season.
If Harbaugh gets New York back on track, it wouldn't be shocking whatsoever to see the same formula for success. He has a front seven that can wreak havoc and an O-line/rushing attack to beat you with smashmouth football, which appears to be the plan. But for his sake, let's hope they show better judgment and don't experience the same fate as McAdoo's bunch.
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