Sat Jan 17 18:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Harbaugh Hire Far From a Slam Dunk: Giants Face Early Challenges

The Story:
A news article released in January 2026 details the New York Giants’ acquisition of John Harbaugh as their new head coach, highlighting the team’s desperation for competency after years of underperformance. Despite Harbaugh’s impressive record with the Baltimore Ravens, including a Super Bowl win, the article raises concerns about his potential for success with the Giants. Historical data suggests that retread head coaches rarely achieve the same level of success with new teams. The Giants’ potential challenges with their rookie Quarterback, Jaxson Dart who is prone to injury.

Key Points:

  • Tom Coughlin‘s departure in 2016 marked the beginning of the Giants’ struggle for identity and success.
  • The Giants have endured a series of failed coaching hires, including Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll.
  • John Harbaugh, formerly with the Baltimore Ravens, has been hired as the new head coach.
  • Harbaugh’s record includes a Super Bowl win and consistent playoff appearances with the Ravens.
  • The article notes that Harbaugh’s late-game collapses with the Ravens are a concern.
  • Harbaugh’s success will depend on his ability to work with current general manager Joe Schoen, the stability of his Quarterback situation with Jaxson Dart and his ability to build a strong coaching staff.
  • Recent reports indicate that Harbaugh has not signed a contract and smooth sailing is not being had.

Critical Analysis:

The historical context provided reveals significant potential issues with the Harbaugh hire. The reports that he has not yet signed a contract and that Joe Schoen may be fired raises concerns about the stability of the Giants organization and potential power struggles that may affect the likelihood of success. The fact that Schoen’s job was in question before Harbaugh’s hiring suggests pre-existing organizational instability, which could be exacerbated by the new coaching regime.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Giants’ hiring of John Harbaugh is not a guaranteed success due to the historical performance of retread coaches and Harbaugh’s potential late-game shortcomings.
  • Organizational stability, particularly the relationship between Harbaugh and Joe Schoen, is crucial for the team’s success.
  • The development of Jaxson Dart and the coaching staff that is built around him will be essential for the team’s long-term success.
  • The lack of a signed contract and potential GM firing are indicators of organizational challenges and potential instability within the Giants franchise.
  • The hire is more complex and potentially unstable than initially perceived, based on recent events.

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