John Harbaugh, the former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, has officially taken the reins at the New York Giants after parting ways with Baltimore following an underwhelming season. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti made the decision to relieve Harbaugh of his duties after 18 seasons, during which he won a Super Bowl and became the 14th winningest coach in NFL history. This transition marks a significant moment for both franchises, with Harbaugh now tasked with revitalizing the Giants.
As Harbaugh embarks on his new role, the question looming over Baltimore is which members of his former team he might recruit to join him in New York. Many of Harbaugh’s previous assistants remain under contract with the Ravens until at least 2027, but the upcoming coaching staff for Baltimore is expected to see considerable changes. Both Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta expressed dissatisfaction with the coaching staff’s performance during a challenging 8-9 season, prompting a shift in strategy moving forward.
“I think that you can look at a lot of guys on our team that we had expected to take the next step that did not take that next step,” Bisciotti remarked, highlighting the need for a fresh start. DeCosta echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think we underachieved as a scouting staff, as a coaching staff and as players.”
Potential Targets for Harbaugh in New York
Several key figures from Harbaugh’s tenure in Baltimore are speculated to be on his radar as he builds his new coaching staff and roster. One immediate candidate is Todd Monken, who served as the offensive coordinator in Baltimore. Monken is expected to take over the same role for the Giants, replacing Mike Kafka. During his time with the Ravens, Monken was instrumental in creating a balanced offensive strategy that achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first team to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Monken’s history with quarterbacks, particularly with Lamar Jackson, played a role in his success. His experience at Georgia, where he guided quarterback Stetson Bennett to back-to-back national championships, further demonstrates his capability in developing talent.
In addition to Monken, several other Ravens coaches could potentially join Harbaugh in New York, including:
– Senior special teams coach Randy Brown
– Defensive line coach Dennis Johnson
– Running backs coach Willie Taggart
– Assistant special teams coach Anthony Levine Sr.
– Outside linebacker coach Matt Robinson
– Inside linebackers coach Tyleer Santucci
The decisions regarding these coaching roles may depend on the Ravens’ willingness to release them from their contracts.
Ravens Free Agents that May Follow Harbaugh
The Giants’ roster, while possessing talent, has numerous gaps to address, and Harbaugh might look to his former players to fill these voids. The Ravens have approximately two dozen pending free agents, including 19 unrestricted free agents. Among them are several players who could significantly contribute to the Giants’ success.
One key player is Pat Ricard, a fullback who has been vital to the Ravens’ offensive strategy. With the Giants ranking sixth in rushing yards per game last season but only 17th in yards per carry, Ricard’s blocking abilities could greatly enhance their rushing attack. Additionally, his skills in pass protection would support the development of New York’s new quarterback, likely Jaxson Dart.
Another potential target is Isaiah Likely, a tight end who faced challenges this past season due to injury. Likely’s previous performance showed promise, with 42 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns in the 2024 season, making him an appealing option for a Giants offense that is in need of playmakers.
Furthermore, tight end Charlie Kolar, known for his versatility and special teams contributions, could provide depth to the Giants’ tight end position. With New York’s primary tight end, Theo Johnson, having shown improvement, adding Kolar could create a formidable duo.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace and linebacker Jake Hummel are also candidates who might follow Harbaugh. Wallace, a respected locker room presence, has struggled to secure a prominent role in Baltimore’s offense but could find more opportunities with the Giants. Meanwhile, Hummel, who led the Ravens in special teams snaps, could reinforce an area of need for New York, which has underperformed in that aspect.
As Harbaugh begins his new chapter with the Giants, the impact of his decisions regarding both coaching staff and roster will be pivotal for the team’s future. With a mix of former Ravens talent and new strategies, he aims to return the Giants to their former glory while reshaping the landscape of the franchise.
