As the New York Giants begin assembling the coaching staff around expected new head coach John Harbaugh, attention has quickly turned to the defensive coordinator search — and one name is already standing out.
According to NFL reporter Connor Hughes, John Harbaugh is targeting Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for the DC role in New York.
Harbaugh, expected to take over a Giants defense that ranked among the league’s most vulnerable against the run last season, is seeking a leader who can immediately restore identity and toughness to the unit. Weaver, currently with the Miami Dolphins, is among the most talked-about candidates and appears to be on Harbaugh’s radar early in the staff build.
Why Anthony Weaver Is a Top Defensive Target
Anthony Weaver isn’t just any name on the coordinator circuit — he’s a coach with established ties to John Harbaugh and a track record of success at the NFL level.
Weaver previously worked under Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens, serving as defensive line coach, run game coordinator, and assistant head coach from 2021 to 2023 before taking the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator job in 2024.
During his time with Miami, Weaver’s defense posted one of the team’s better performances in recent memory, showing resilience and strong fundamentals. The Dolphins ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, which was the team’s best ranking in nearly 20 years.
Weaver’s return to New York would also reunite him with Harbaugh’s coaching ecosystem — something league insiders note could accelerate the implementation of Harbaugh’s vision on the defensive side. Their past collaboration in Baltimore helped forge a defense that consistently ranked near the top in key defensive metrics, especially rush defense.
A Critical Hire for Giants Defensive Revival
The decision on defensive coordinator could define the Giants’ short- and long-term future. New York’s defense struggled to create consistent pressure and stop the run last season, issues that cost the team in key moments and contributed to a disappointing record. Weaver’s scheme, which emphasizes front-seven play and gap control, addresses those weaknesses directly.
However, Weaver isn’t the only name being discussed. Other defensive minds, including former Harbaugh assistants and established NFL coordinators, remain in the mix as potential options if Weaver doesn’t materialize. That said, his early emergence as a favorite highlights the urgency New York feels to stabilize its defensive identity quickly.
His ability to create a physical, disciplined front — particularly against the run — could be exactly what the Giants need after a season where they allowed well over 140 rushing yards per game. Baltimore led the league in rushing defense in 2021, allowing a stingy 84.5 yards per game. In 2023, the Ravens led the NFL in scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game.
Given that Weaver is very familiar with Harbaugh from their time in Baltimore, and that he has led the Dolphins to a remarkable defensive turnaround, he could be the ideal candidate for New York after both Wink Martindale and Shane Bowen fizzled out in East Rutherford.
If Weaver is indeed brought in to run the defense, it would signify a major organizational commitment to physicality and discipline — exactly the pillars Harbaugh’s teams have long been built on. Giants fans should expect the defensive strategy to reflect that philosophy as the coaching staff comes together this offseason.
Giants Targeting Former John Harbaugh Disciple at DC