The New York Giants still have not finalized their deal with John Harbaugh, and one reason might be holding it up.
Ian O’Connor of The Athletic suggested that the Giants and Harbaugh are working through how his role will be structured. Harbaugh reported directly to owner Steve Biscotti with the Baltimore Ravens, which would be a sort of arrangement the Giants have never implemented before.
The Giants have never hired a HC as accomplished as John Harbaugh, including Dan Reeves (lower win %, no ring). If he needs a parallel report with Joe Schoen to the Maras to close it out, so be it. Ball is on the 1-yard line. Give it to Skattebo and we'll see you Tuesday.
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) January 17, 2026
Typically, the Giants would have Harbaugh report to general manager Joe Schoen. Harbaugh, meanwhile, might be more amenable to reporting directly to ownership, as he did during his entire tenure with the Ravens. This does not appear likely to ruin the deal, but it does mean some extra time will be spent working things out.
Harbaugh and the Giants are locked in negotiations, as he has already agreed to become the team’s new head coach. A tentative agreement was initially reported late Wednesday night, but the two sides are still working out the details of a deal over 48 hours later. That is enough to worry some Giants fans who think something might go wrong during talks.
The Giants have desperately wanted Harbaugh from the moment he became available. It is highly unlikely they would let him go elsewhere over something this relatively minor.
