Giants News
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh cited quarterback Jaxson Dart as a primary factor in accepting the franchise’s five-year contract offer.
The Giants finalized Harbaugh’s hiring on January 18, 2026. The organization dismissed Brian Daboll in November after a 2-8 start and named offensive coordinator Mike Kafka interim head coach for the final seven games. Harbaugh spent 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before being fired on January 6, following an 8-9 finish that kept the Ravens out of the playoffs. He compiled a 193-124 record with Baltimore, won Super Bowl XLVII, and led the Ravens to 12 postseason appearances.
Harbaugh expressed enthusiasm about working with Dart during his introductory process. “I’m excited about Jaxson Dart,” Harbaugh said. According to Dan Salomone of Giants.com, the veteran coach appreciates Dart’s talent and skills but values “what he is about” even more. Harbaugh watched film of Dart during the Giants’ interview process. The quarterback was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ole Miss. New York traded up from the early second round to secure him.
Dart took over the starting position in Week 4 after the Giants started 0-3 with Russell Wilson at quarterback. The Ole Miss product completed 216 of 339 passes for 2,272 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 games. He started 12 contests after missing time with a concussion suffered in Week 10 against Chicago. Dart added 86 carries for 487 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. His nine rushing scores set a Giants franchise record for quarterbacks in a single season and rank third among all rookie quarterbacks in NFL history.
The Giants finished 4-13 despite Dart’s production. The team won its final two games to close the season. New York defeated Philadelphia in Week 4 for Dart’s first career victory. He became the first quarterback to win his debut start against a team with a 3-0 or better record in 23 seasons. Dart joined Patrick Mahomes as the only quarterbacks since 1991 to lead their teams to opening-drive touchdowns in each of their first three career starts. He also became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for a touchdown in five consecutive games.
Harbaugh developed Lamar Jackson during his tenure in Baltimore. Jackson won two NFL MVP awards under Harbaugh’s leadership. The coach promoted Greg Roman to offensive coordinator in 2019 to implement a run-heavy scheme suited to Jackson’s abilities. Harbaugh later hired Todd Monken as offensive coordinator in 2023 when Jackson needed to expand his passing game. Monken is expected to join Harbaugh’s staff with the Giants. Jackson recorded career highs of 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes in his final season under the Harbaugh-Monken partnership.
The Giants hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dart was nominated for the 2025 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award alongside five other first-year players. His 15 passing touchdowns led all rookies. Harbaugh signed a five-year contract reportedly worth $100 million. He becomes the Giants’ fifth permanent head coach since Tom Coughlin resigned following the 2015 season.
