The New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons appear to be emerging as the two most serious contenders for former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, as both franchises begin shaping their coaching searches.
Multiple reports suggest the Giants have Harbaugh at the top of their list, while NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported that teams around the league believe Harbaugh’s top choices among current openings are the Giants and Falcons “in some order.”
Giants Coaching Search: Where Things Stand Right Now
The Giants have already completed initial interviews with several candidates as their head coach search moves forward.
Completed initial interviews include:
- Mike Kafka
- Antonio Pierce
- Kevin Stefanski
- Raheem Morris
- Vance Joseph (virtual interview)
The Giants have also requested interviews with additional candidates, including:
- Darren Rizzi, Broncos special teams coordinator
- Davis Webb, Broncos quarterbacks coach
- Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator
Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to interview this week. Harbaugh is also expected to interview once he begins speaking with teams.
Because the Giants conducted in-person interviews with Pierce and Morris, the organization has satisfied the Rooney Rule requirements and is free to make a hire at any time.
Giants Reportedly ‘All-In’ on John Harbaugh
“…with the loser of those sweepstakes landing Kevin Stefanski.
The Miami Dolphins have Harbaugh interest, too, although
Sources told SNY the Giants are “all-in” on Harbaugh and that he sits at No. 1 on the organization’s board.
That report stated there is strong support for Harbaugh within the Giants organization, particularly from co-owner Steve Tisch, though it noted the enthusiasm is widely shared.
“He’s a program builder,” said one source who worked closely with Harbaugh told Yahoo Sports. “He sets the tone for the entire building. Team-first, tough, detail-driven.”
However, the report also emphasized the key issue may be whether Harbaugh wants the Giants as much as they want him. Harbaugh reportedly values the opening because of the franchise’s history and quarterback Jaxson Dart, but New York is not the only team in pursuit.
One complication: other openings could offer Harbaugh influence over the general manager position. The Giants reportedly do not plan to move on from general manager Joe Schoen and are not willing to include that type of front office control in negotiations.
Falcons Also Emerge as Top Team to Monitor for John Harbaugh
Atlanta has also been repeatedly linked to Harbaugh, with Jones reporting “real and mutual interest” between Harbaugh and the Falcons.
Jones wrote: “Two sources on interested teams said their belief is Harbaugh’s top choices among the vacant jobs are the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons in some order.”
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank also publicly confirmed interest in Harbaugh during an end-of-season press conference.
“John has been one of the most successful coaches in the last 20 years in our league,” Blank said. “He has won at every level. And so, he would certainly be a candidate who we’d want to spend some time with.
Whether or not he would have any interest in Atlanta, I don’t know.”
Harbaugh became available after being fired by Baltimore on January 6 following 18 years with the Ravens. He left the franchise with 193 wins, which ranks 12th all-time, along with 11 double-digit win seasons, 12 playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl title in the 2012-13 season.
Atlanta is looking to snap an eight-year playoff drought.
What This Means for the Giants and Falcons
Both teams appear positioned as leading contenders for Harbaugh, but the process may come down to which organization best aligns with what Harbaugh wants next — including potential influence in the front office, roster direction, and long-term stability.
The report also suggested the Giants and Falcons could share another target if they miss on Harbaugh: “with the loser of those sweepstakes landing Kevin Stefanski.”
For now, the Giants continue scheduling interviews while the Falcons remain a key team to watch, as Harbaugh’s availability has quickly reshaped the coaching market.
John Harbaugh Watch: Why Giants and Falcons Are the Two Teams to Monitor