If John Harbaugh is upset about the way things went down with the Baltimore Ravens, he’s not showing it publicly. Harbaugh had nothing but good things to say about his former team as he was being introduced as the New York Giants’ head coach Tuesday.
As he was giving his introductory remarks, Harbaugh went out of his way to “extend a profound thank you” to the Ravens.
At that point, the conversation quickly turned back to the Giants. When asked whether he considered taking time off following his firing, he said he didn’t really consider that option. He added that he was immediately drawn to the Giants, telling reporters, “I wanted this job.”
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Harbaugh didn’t get into many specifics regarding players, though was asked how much of a role Jaxson Dart played in Harbaugh’s decision to join the Giants. Harbaugh said he was “excited about” Dart and couldn’t wait “to get started with him.” Harbaugh also saluted backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who was one of the Giants players at Harbaugh’s news conference Tuesday. Harbaugh recounted a 2024 game vs. Winston, who threw three touchdowns against the Ravens to lead the Cleveland Browns to a 29-24 win over Baltimore. Harbaugh quipped that it was a good day … for the quarterback.
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Harbaugh didn’t mention many other Giants players by name, though said he was encouraged by what he saw on tape when he watched the team.
As for expectations, Harbaugh said the plan is “to win every game” or to at least prepare as though the team can win every single game. He later said he expects to start winning on Day 1.
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Doing so could prove difficult, as the Giants finished 4-13 this season and wound up with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite those struggles, the team brought in a promising rookie class, which featured Dart, running back Cam Skattebo and defensive lineman Abdul Carter. Harbaugh will presumably build around all three players as he tries to construct a winner in New York.
The head coach certainly has the pedigree to suggest he can get the job done. In 18 seasons with Baltimore, Harbaugh went 180-113 in the regular season. He led the team to the playoffs 12 times over that period, winning the Super Bowl in 2012.
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Expecting that same success in his second act might be asking a lot, but things did work out for Andy Reid, one of Harbaugh’s mentors, when Reid was put in the same position. When discussing what advice Reid gave to him, Harbaugh said the Kansas City Chiefs coach said “change can be good.”
Right after that, Harbaugh quipped that he would gladly take the same results Reid was able to achieve with the Chiefs.
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