John Harbaugh agreed Saturday to become coach of the New York Giants, finalizing the big-market, longstanding franchise’s all-out pursuit of its top candidate.
Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch made the hire official less than 72 hours after a lengthy interview and dinner with harbaugh that sealed the deal. The sides began working on a contract Wednesday night when it was clear Harbaugh was a fit and he canceled meetings with other teams.
Harbaugh is expected to report directly to ownership, rather than general manager Joe Schoen.
“To serve as this franchise’s head coach is a tremendous honour,” harbaugh said in a statement. “I come from a football family, and I have deep respect for the history and tradition of this institution.”
harbaugh joins the Giants less than two weeks after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens, who made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons with him in charge and won the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. Baltimore fell short of the postseason this year as of a missed kick at the buzzer in the season finale, leading ownership to make an change and put Harbaugh on the market.
Schoen and the Giants pounced, bringing on a proven winner. harbaugh was flown in on co-owner Steve Tisch’s private plane earlier this week, spent several hours at the team facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey, spoke with young quarterback Jaxson Dart and got wined and dined at nearby Elia Mediterranean Restaurant.
With the courting process complete,Harbaugh is now tasked with turning around the beleaguered franchise that has made just two playoff appearances over the past 12 years and not made it past the divisional round. Todd Monken could follow him from Baltimore to be offensive coordinator, unless he takes a head-coaching gig in Cleveland or elsewhere.
“Joe Schoen presented us an outstanding group of candidates, which allowed us to be deliberate and confident in this decision,” Mara said. “Through numerous conversations, John consistently stood out for his conviction and vision for leading a winning organization.”
Harbaugh got the job over the likes of Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCarthy, Raheem Morris and Antonio Pierce, leapfrogging some expected front-runners who got shuffled back as soon as the 63-year-old became available. The chance to work for stable ownership and Dart made New York an attractive landing spot over places such as Tennessee, Atlanta and Miami.
“John is a prove
