Following the introductory news conference on Tuesday, new Giants head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen immediately began the process of assembling the team’s coaching staff. Harbaugh dedicated Wednesday to meeting with returning members from Brian Daboll’s previous staff while the Giants submitted requests to interview close to twenty assistants from the Baltimore Ravens, where Harbaugh previously coached. It’s anticipated that the Giants’ new staff will mainly comprise former Ravens assistants, along with a few holdovers from the previous coaching regime.
While the Ravens have approved most of these interview requests, they are reportedly blocking special teams coordinator Chris Horton from moving to New York for the moment. This could suggest that potential Ravens coaches are keen on retaining Horton, who has been with Harbaugh’s coaching staff since 2014. As for other coaching vacancies, offensive coordinator Todd Monken is expected to join Harbaugh in New York, assuming he does not take the head coaching position with the Browns.
The quest for a defensive coordinator has generated considerable interest, especially considering Harbaugh’s connections to several experienced candidates. Zach Orr, who served as Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator in Baltimore for the last two seasons, could shift to the inside linebackers coach role if he doesn’t secure the DC position in New York. Another potential candidate is Anthony Weaver, who has spent recent seasons as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, having previously worked on Harbaugh’s staff as the defensive line coach. Weaver is currently in the interview process for head coaching roles, making him a strong prospect.
Additionally, Dennard Wilson, who recently worked as the Ravens’ defensive backs coach and is now with the Titans as a defensive coordinator, is back on the market following the Titans’ coaching changes. Other candidates for the Giants’ defensive coordinator position include Daronte Jones, Joe Cullen, and Jim Leonhard, each with varying degrees of connections to Harbaugh and Schoen.
As the coaching staff develops, the Giants have also seen a significant change in the front office. Kevin Abrams, who had been with the organization for 27 years, parted ways with the team. Abrams was once viewed as a potential successor to former GM Dave Gettleman but had shifted roles as the organization evolved under Schoen’s leadership. Despite his departure, Abrams’ knowledge of the organization and expertise in salary-cap management has been noted as invaluable.
In more positive news, Schoen offered an encouraging update regarding rookie running back Cam Skattebo, who is on track in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. Though the timeline for wide receiver Malik Nabers remains uncertain following his ACL tear, there is optimism about his potential return for training camp.
With changes in both the coaching and front office, along with renovations planned for the training facilities, the Giants appear to be ready for a fresh start under Harbaugh’s leadership. The recent involvement of the Koch family as new minority owners, acquiring a 10 percent stake in the team, also illustrates a new chapter for the franchise. The Giants are anticipated to focus on finalizing both their coaching staff and facility upgrades in the coming weeks, injecting fresh energy into the organization and its players.