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<\/a>Photo Courtesy \/ YouTube New York Giants<\/a><\/p>\nThe New York Giants underwent another regime change when the front office fired<\/a> head coach Brian Daboll<\/a> after a lackluster 2-8 start to the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n Under Daboll\u2019s leadership, the team had just one winning season. That was enough for franchise owner John Mara to start looking for a replacement.<\/p>\n The Giants were in luck because this offseason brought multiple coaches hitting free agency. Kevin Stefanski<\/a> and Mike McCarthy<\/a>, who ended up with the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, were two names at the top of many hypothetical lists.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, another name joined the group two days after the regular season finale: John Harbaugh<\/a>. The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with their long-time head coach after failing to reach the playoffs for the third time in 18 seasons.<\/p>\n The Giants seized the opportunity to hire<\/a> the former Super Bowl champion within less than a week after he hit the open market. Harbaugh agreed to a five-year deal, worth $100 million.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a profound honor to be trusted with the responsibility of coaching the New York football Giants,\u201d Harbaugh said<\/a> during his introductory press conference at the team\u2019s training facility. \u201cI know the challenges. I understand the expectations. I know the fans are hungry for a winner. We\u2019re here with one mission to be given the right to be called world champions.\u201d<\/p>\n The Giants haven\u2019t hoisted the Lombardi Trophy since they won their franchise\u2019s fourth Super Bowl<\/a> in 2012.\u00a0<\/p>\n In the 13 seasons since, New York made two playoff appearances, with their past three seasons combining for just 11 wins.<\/p>\n Losing, however, isn\u2019t something Harbaugh has been accustomed to throughout his career. He led the Ravens to winning records in his first five seasons, including the Super Bowl victory in 2012.\u00a0<\/p>\n Under his 18-year tenure, Baltimore won six AFC North division titles, including back-to-back crowns in 2023-24. He departs as the winningest coach in Ravens franchise history with a 180-113 record and 12 postseason berths.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the Ravens, I would like to extend a profound thank you,\u201d Harbaugh added. \u201cBut now, as we begin a new chapter in New York, our focus is simple. It starts with building a team that is physical and tough. [One] that is capable of overwhelming their opponent from beginning to end and knows how to finish.\u201d<\/p>\n Finishing games was a struggle for the Giants last season. They lost<\/a> seven games by one score or less, while the defense ranked 26th in the NFL, allowing a concerning 25.8 points per game.\u00a0<\/p>\n But what separates the Giants from other franchises with coaching vacancies is Jaxson Dart<\/a>. The first-round selection out of Ole Miss burst onto the scene, winning two of his first three starts.<\/p>\n Despite battling injuries and a nine-game losing streak, Dart kept the Giants alive in several close games. He accumulated 2,759 total yards and 24 touchdowns in his rookie campaign.<\/p>\n With Dart leading the offense, Harbaugh is given another opportunity to develop a young quarterback. In the latter half of his Baltimore tenure, he guided Lamar Jackson<\/a> to two MVP awards.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited about Jaxson Dart,\u201d Harbaugh explained. \u201cI like the way he plays. His talent, skill set and all the things he\u2019s accomplished. More than that, I look at what he\u2019s about, and to me, he\u2019s about football, and this youth guy wants to talk football all the time. And that\u2019s what I like doing, so I think we\u2019ll have some great conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n Dart is just the start of a talented roster. Edge rusher Brian Burns<\/a> had a breakout year, recording a career high of 16.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl nod.<\/p>\n The offense features promising receiver Malik Nabers<\/a>, who racked up 1,204 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie. While his sophomore season ended prematurely due to a torn ACL, he is expected to be ready for the start of next season.<\/p>\n The same goes for halfback Cam Skattebo<\/a>, who rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns in eight games before suffering a dislocated ankle, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n