They are closing in on the marquee name in this year’s NFL head-coaching cycle, but the New York Giants have been warned not to expect a Super Bowl title from hiring former Baltimore Ravens boss John Harbaugh.
The note of caution comes from WFAN host Craig Carton, who believes Harbaugh’s reputation far exceeds his skills. Instead, Carton made it clear Harbaugh only lifted the Lombardi Trophy early during his 18-year stint with the Ravens because of the talent he inherited.
Carton made his feelings about Harbaugh clear on “The Craig Carton Show,” lamenting how “The NFL has bent over backwards showing how much they love Harbaugh… like he’s the second coming of Lombardi, like he’s Jimmy Johnson in his prime! He’s NOT! You have Lamar freaking Jackson, and you went to one AFC Championship at home — and you lost it… Is he gonna get you to a Super Bowl? NO!”
As Carton put it, “I’ve made the argument for a couple years now, and I’d be laughed at every time I said it — until a few weeks ago when people started to agree — that John Harbaugh is the problem in Baltimore, not the solution.”
Those who would point to Harbaugh’s generally excellent CV, which includes a championship, need to remember some of the advantages he had, according to Carton.
Among those advantages was Harbaugh inheriting some Hall of Fame-level defensive stalwarts when he got to the job in Baltimore back in 2008. Carton credited the early success to “Ray [Lewis]. It was, you know, on and on — some of the great defensive players that have ever played this sport. And for some reason, we have sainted John Harbaugh as a $20 million a year coach, and he doesn’t have the pedigree to back it up,” he said. “So is he competent? Yes. Will he make the Giants or Titans better? Yes. Is he gonna get you to a Super Bowl? No.”
“The NFL has bent over backwards showing how much they love Harbaugh… like he’s the second coming of Lombardi, like he’s Jimmy Johnson in his prime! He’s NOT! You have Lamar freaking Jackson, and you went to one AFC
Carton’s blistering take preceded the Giants moving quickly to push through a deal for Harbaugh. Somebody at MetLife Stadium doesn’t share Carton’s view.
Likely the same person who wants stability and credibility for the Giants.
John Harbaugh Brings Instant Credibility
The Giants aren’t thinking Super Bowl right now. Or at least they shouldn’t be with any kind of realistic intent. Not when the franchise must first restore some credibility, a quality Harbaugh will bring with him.
He’s 63 and loaded with experience of what it takes to keep a team competitive season in and season out. Competitive is just what the Ravens have been across the near-two decades Harbaugh was at the controls.
Being in control was a hallmark of Harbaugh’s tenure as coach with a CEO-style input into every aspect of the football operation. Taking care of the big picture helped Harbaugh garner 204 career wins, including playoff victories, but Carton isn’t the only one with a warning for the Giants.
Warning Signs Are Real for Giants
A postseason record of just 13-11 is a warning sign the Giants shouldn’t ignore about Harbaugh. There’s also a concern, voiced by a franchise great, about what the next coaching staff will look like.
A prominent position is likely to be filled by Harbaugh’s former offensive coordinator in Baltimore, Todd Monken. He’s “among the leading candidates, sources say. Still a search to be held and a few options for Monken on the table but he’s the early leader,” per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Monken had his critics, including some who questioned how he used his best players. Yet, Harbaugh has remained steadfastly loyal to the play-caller.
Perhaps a more pressing problem is the penchant the Harbaugh-led Ravens developed for blowing late leads. As NFL Media researcher John Todd pointed out, “The Ravens under John Harbaugh had 14 losses since 2020 in which they held a 10+ point lead (most in the NFL by two). The #Giants lost 5 games in 2025 in which they held a 10+ point lead (most in the NFL by two).”
Making the right calls about clock management and personnel in clutch situations will be vital for Harbaugh, if he’s going to teach these Giants how to play winning football. How much winning will qualify as true success is open for debate, but Harbaugh, for all his flaws, is a good bet to at least make the Giants consistently competitive.
Giants Get Blunt Message About John Harbaugh, Super Bowl