John Harbaugh sets bold 2026 goal after joining Giants: “I expect that”
After leaving the Baltimore Ravens following their postseason elimination, Harbaugh has been confirmed as the new head coach of the New York Giants.
John Harbaugh has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the New York Giants, and he has wasted no time outlining the team’s primary objective for the 2026 season.
Harbaugh sets ambitious goal for 2026
Speaking to The Athletic columnist Ian O’Connor, Harbaugh made his ambitions clear from the outset.
“I think the Giants roster is strong and it’s our job to make it stronger,” Harbaugh said. “We are going to compete for the playoffs and for championships. I expect and want to make the playoffs next year.”
John Harbaugh to me: "I think the Giants roster is strong and it's our job to make it stronger. We are going to compete for the playoffs and for championships. I expect and want to make the playoffs next year."
— Ian O'Connor (@Ian_OConnor) January 17, 2026
As I said, no rebuilding plan folks.
Another brutal season for New York
The Giants were without a permanent head coach after a disastrous 2025 regular season. Brian Daboll was fired in November with the team sitting at 2-8. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka then took over on an interim basis, leading New York to a 4-13 finish.
That record left the Giants last in the NFC East and second from bottom in the NFC, another low point for a franchise that has struggled to find stability.
If Harbaugh delivers on his promise, it would mark a dramatic turnaround. New York was even worse in 2024, finishing 3-14. Since winning Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, the Giants have reached the postseason just twice in 14 seasons.
What do we know about John Harbaugh’s Giants contract?
For now, details remain scarce. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harbaugh has confirmed that he signed a five-year contract with the team.
“This is the New York Giants,” Harbaugh said. “I’m proud and honored to the head coach of this historic franchise, and especially excited to work with the Mara and Tisch families. But most of all, I can’t wait to get started with the great players on this football team to see what we can accomplish together.”
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