The New York Giants are close to reaching a deal to hire John Harbaugh as their next head coach, with negotiations ongoing but momentum moving toward a deal. according to a report from ESPN Wednesday evening.
While contract details are still being finalized and no documents have been signed, sources told ESPN that both sides expect the process to reach the finish line barring any unexpected mishaps. A source described the talks as active and substantive, with issues remaining to be resolved.
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Harbaugh, 63, became available last week after an 18-season run with the Baltimore Ravens, where he compiled a 180-113 record, won a Super Bowl after the 2012 season and established one of the league’s most consistent teams.
The Giants, who went 7-27 over the past two seasons, identified Harbaugh as a top target early in their search to replace Brian Daboll, who was fired in November. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka finished the season as interim coach.
New York brought Harbaugh to its East Rutherford, New Jersey, facility on Wednesday for an in-person interview that lasted most of the day. According to ESPN, the visit was viewed internally as productive, and Giants owners and football executives have made a strong effort to land what they consider the most accomplished coach on the market.
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Harbaugh has attracted interest from across the league since his firing, with several teams reaching out almost immediately. ESPN reported that Harbaugh took a measured approach to the process, weighing roster construction, quarterback prospects and organizational alignment before committing to his next stop.
One factor working in the Giants’ favor is their young quarterback, Jaxson Dart, who participated in meetings during the interview process, according to ESPN. New York also holds the fifth pick in the upcoming draft and will benefit from increased salary cap flexibility over the next two offseasons.
If finalized, the hire would give the Giants one of the most experienced and successful head coaches in the NFL. Harbaugh ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in wins and would arrive with a history of stability and playoff success that the franchise has lacked in recent years.
Interviews with former Atlanta coach Raheem Morris and retired linebacker Antonio Pierce, who most recently coached the Las Vegas Raiders, satisfy the Rooney Rule for various external candidates and would allow the Giants to make any hire they want at this point.
