Veteran NFL coach John Harbaugh has swiftly found a new home, agreeing to a blockbuster five-year contract to lead the New York Giants. The deal, reported to be worth as much as $100m, comes just eight days after his surprising exit from the Baltimore Ravens.
A swift transition to a historic franchise
Harbaugh's move was confirmed on Saturday, following a whirlwind week of negotiations. The 63-year-old was fired by the Ravens over the phone last week after the team missed the postseason. He immediately became the Giants' top target, visiting their facility for an in-person interview on Wednesday.
That formal meeting was preceded by an informal Sunday lunch at Harbaugh's home with Giants personnel executive Chris Mara. ESPN reported that Harbaugh conducted extensive due diligence on the Giants organisation, even seeking assurances about its infrastructure from former coach Brian Daboll, who was dismissed in November.
"This is the New York Giants," Harbaugh told ESPN. "I'm proud and honored to be the head coach of this historic franchise, and especially excited to work with the Mara and Tisch families. But most of all, I can't wait to get started with the great players on this football team to see what we can accomplish together."
A legacy of success in Baltimore
Harbaugh leaves behind a formidable legacy with the Ravens, built over 18 seasons. His tenure was marked by consistent competitiveness and a championship pedigree.
Key achievements from his time in Baltimore include:
- A regular-season record of 180 wins and 113 losses.
- Leading the team to the playoffs 12 times.
- A postseason record of 13 wins and 11 losses.
- Guiding the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII victory after the 2012 season, where they defeated the San Francisco 49ers coached by his brother, Jim.
The 2025 season ended with an 8-9 record and a narrow playoff miss, after a last-second field goal attempt went wide in the finale against Pittsburgh. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti indicated this week that even if that kick had been successful, Harbaugh's tenure might only have been extended by a week.
What's next for the Giants and Harbaugh?
The appointment signals a bold new direction for the Giants, who are turning to one of the league's most experienced and successful coaches to revive their fortunes. Harbaugh's proven track record of building playoff-calibre teams will be expected to translate quickly to the NFC East.
His immediate task will be to assess the current roster, implement his system, and work with the front office during the upcoming off-season. The scale of the contract, potentially reaching $100m, underscores the Giants' conviction that Harbaugh is the man to return the franchise to its former glory.
For the NFL, it marks a significant shift, with one of its longest-tenured coaches moving to a marquee franchise in the nation's largest media market, setting the stage for a fascinating 2026 season.
