NFL coaches, executives make big claim about Giants hiring John Harbaugh as head coach

While the negotiation process dragged out longer than many expected, the New York Giants ultimately made the biggest NFL-related splash of January when they hired former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as their new head coach. 

Unsurprisingly, individuals within the NFL see landing Harbaugh as a major win for the Giants.

Giants receive high praise for winning the John Harbaugh sweepstakes

For a piece published on Tuesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic asked a panel of nine coaches and executives to rank the top head-coaching hires made this winter. The Giants' hiring of Harbaugh received six first-place votes and 42 total points. 

To compare, the Atlanta Falcons' hiring of former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski finished second on the list. That move got one first-place vote and 25 points. 

"Great coach," one former head coach said about Harbaugh. "He has gotten the needed power in that organization. He will win." 

Specifically, Harbaugh is reporting directly to Giants co-owner John Mara and not to general manager Joe Schoen. That altered organizational structure resulted in the Giants making internal changes early into Harbaugh's tenure. 

One rival executive noted that "Harbaugh seems like a really good fit" with the Giants. Meanwhile, a different executive touched upon why that's so important. 

"This isn’t a comment on the coach," the second executive explained. "It’s a comment on the match, the fit within the organization to be able to execute what they’re trying to do. These guys are all really good coaches. Do they have the resources? Does it fit with the personnel side? All that stuff is probably more important than whether he can coach."

How league evaluators reportedly feel about Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart

Harbaugh made it known on multiple occasions in January that one reason he accepted the Giants' job was the presence of quarterback and 2025 first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, edge-rusher Abdul Carter and running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo are among other promising young players on the Big Blue roster. 

"League evaluators are generally optimistic about quarterback Jaxson Dart’s potential," Howe shared. "The Giants’ personnel has improved over the past year, so Harbaugh has a portion of his young core in place."