John Harbaugh wanted Giants job as much they wanted him
John Harbaugh strolled into the Giants’ practice facility Tuesday wearing a red tie with blue stripes. He first greeted the dozen or so players in attendance, including a hug for quarterback Jameis Winston.
Harbaugh then heard applause while walking to the front of the stage. After general manager Joe Schoen gave an introduction, Harbaugh began what the franchise and fans hope is a promising new era with him as head coach.
“It’s a profound honor to be trusted with the responsibility of coaching the New York Football Giants,” Harbaugh said. “My dad taught me that they were the New York Football Giants . . . all the way back. One of the most iconic franchises in all of sports.”
It was a celebration of the Giants’ biggest victory since their last playoff win three years ago. Harbaugh was the team’s No. 1 priority after the Ravens fired him following their season-ending loss to the Steelers that ended with a missed last-second field goal.
The goal, according to senior player personnel executive Chris Mara, was to move quickly because they knew Harbaugh would be the most desirable coaching candidate this cycle. His name wasn’t immediately on their radar but after Harbaugh was fired on Jan. 6, the plan changed.
“The perspective was to act and not react because we thought he was very gettable for us,” Mara said. “I just wanted to make an impression on him from an ownership standpoint. I think I did that.
“I didn’t think he’d be available, I really didn’t. But for us, it was a home run.”
Mara didn’t know Harbaugh directly but he got an assist from former Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who introduced them to each other. Coughlin, Mara said, was “over the top” about hiring Harbaugh and urged Mara to be quick about getting a deal done.
“Get your [butt] down there,” Mara said Coughlin told him.
Mara discussed the plan with president/CEO John Mara and co-owner Steve Tisch along with the front office. That’s when Chris Mara left for Baltimore on Jan. 9 to speak to Harbaugh at his house.
It laid the foundation for Harbaugh’s in-person interview last Wednesday. Quarterback Jaxson Dart also arrived at the facility to meet with Harbaugh.
Schoen said he had a pretty good feeling around 4:30 p.m. that a deal would be done when everyone shook hands. The dinner that night at Elia Mediterranean in New Jersey was a final way of smoothing things over before Harbaugh flew home and later canceled his meeting with the Titans.
“The opportunity to get him in the building, go through our process, get to know me and then to be able to get in front of John Mara and not let him out and come to an agreement was good execution on our part,” Schoen said. “I’m glad we did it, I’m glad we did it the way we did it.”
For Harbaugh, it was an easy sell despite the Giants going 7-27 the last two years. He had a longstanding respect for John Mara and Tisch from getting to know them at the NFL owners’ meetings over the years. He also admired Schoen’s knowledge about the league.
Harbaugh also watched tape of the Giants with his 86-year-old father Jack, a longtime football coach. When the elder Harbaugh called his son to rave about several positions, it validated what Harbaugh liked about how physical and tough the Giants looked.
As for Dart, Harbaugh admired his skill set and talent but mostly his love of football. The two also spoke over the phone before meeting at the facility.
It convinced Harbaugh he was in the right place. Mara left the Jan. 9 meeting thinking Harbaugh “wants to be a Giant” and Harbaugh proved that during the interview.
There’s still more work to do, such as interviews beginning Wednesday for staff positions. But Harbaugh’s desire to join the Giants matched the owners’ desire to land him and Tuesday started what they hope to be a fruitful partnership.
“I wanted this job," Harbaugh said. "To be on the biggest stage in the biggest sport. I know the challenges. I understand the expectations. I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We’re here with one mission: to become, to earn the right to be called the world champions in New York.”
Blue notes
Schoen said running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) would be available at the start of OTAs in April. As for receiver Malik Nabers, the hope is he’ll be available by the start of training camp in July after recovering from ACL surgery. Schoen noted things could change. It’s still a clearer target than Nabers gave on Jan. 5 when he told reporters that his target date is when his body feels ready to be able to compete. Nabers still had a noticeable limp at the time.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
