The New York Giants faithful are buzzing about the coaching carousel this offseason. That's because they have a can't-miss candidate that became available late, and that's former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. While yes, Harbaugh has struggled to return to the Super Bowl in recent years, but his consistency and leadership are what the Giants have desperately been missing.
There has been some concern about the Giants missing out on Harbaugh to another team. But the recent buzz is trending positively in New York's direction.
The Athletic senior NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that Harbaugh is spending the next few days studying film on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and Tennessee Titans signal caller Cam Ward. Russini also reports that Harbaugh is speaking with team decision makers and with members of his coaching staff.
John Harbaugh is spending today and the next few days watching film specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. He’s also been in contact with team decision makers, while continuing to communicate with potential members of his own coaching staff.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 10, 2026
John Harbaugh reportedly studying Jaxson Dart film amid Giants head coaching interest
That is certainly a promising report for Giants fans. As has been reported since before the end of the season, the Giants are believed to be a desirable destination for prospective head coaches because of Dart and his upside. Multiple reports have indicated that Harbaugh is a fan of Dart, so this latest report from Russini should have Giants fans buzzing.
But wait, there's more.
Ian O'Connor of The Athletic reported later on Saturday that Giants general manager Joe Schoen has had "direct contact" with Harbaugh and that "those talks have been positive." O'Connor also notes that Schoen has been "relentless" in trying to bring Harbaugh in.
I'm told Giants GM Joe Schoen has had direct contact with John Harbaugh and that those talks have been positive. Long way to go, but Schoen has been a relentless, John Calipari-level recruiter on this one, which likely speaks to his willingness to work with JH on the roster.
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) January 10, 2026
There have been plenty of reports of Harbaugh wanting full control of his next team and potentially bringing in his own general manager into the fold. That's why the Miami Dolphins had buzz in the past couple of days, due in part to the team interviewing Chad Alexander for their vacant GM position. Alexander had worked with Harbaugh in the past. Yet, the Dolphins hired Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager.
Schoen, even with the Giants' struggles this year, was viewed as safe in terms of job security. But there was always the chance a new head coach wouldn't want to work with him. Considering the resume Harbaugh has, he would have the sway to make that happen. O'Connor noted a couple of days ago that Schoen's presence does not hurt Harbaugh's interest in the Giants.
The Giants certainly felt like the favorites once Harbaugh was let go by the Ravens. These latest reports show that fans should like the team's chances. But, fans would like some finality to the search and find out as soon as possible if Harbaugh will be their next head coach.