According to sources familiar with the situation, John Harbaugh is engaged in negotiations to become the new head coach of the New York Giants. This information was disclosed to The Associated Press early Thursday morning by individuals who requested anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the discussions.
While the details are still being finalized, Harbaugh is expected to accept the position in New York. If the negotiations do not result in an agreement, Harbaugh has several other options available, but both parties aim to “reach the finish line” in the talks.
Harbaugh met with Giants officials in person on Wednesday, spending several hours at the team”s facility located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens is considered a leading candidate to fill the void left by Brian Daboll, who was dismissed following the recent season.
After missing the playoffs due to a last-minute field goal miss in the season”s final game, Harbaugh is now poised to choose the Giants over potential opportunities with teams such as Tennessee and Atlanta. During his time with the Ravens, he led the team to the playoffs 12 times over 18 seasons and secured a Super Bowl victory during the 2012 season, just a year after the Giants last claimed the championship.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen, who is entering his fifth season overseeing the football operations, indicated he would evaluate a broad range of candidates in the coaching search. Interviews with candidates such as Raheem Morris and Antonio Pierce have fulfilled the NFL”s Rooney Rule requirements, which aim to promote diversity in hiring practices. Harbaugh”s recent visit to northern New Jersey may facilitate a swift appointment before any of the other teams with head coaching vacancies make their moves.
