John Harbaugh makes feelings clear on ending with “consolation prize” after Todd Monken ditched Giants for Browns HC job

John Harbaugh is set to begin a new chapter of his coaching journey with the New York Giants. He spent the past 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens before being fired after finishing with an 8-9 record last season with no playoff appearance.

Over the past few days, Harbaugh has been busy rebuilding a new coaching staff with the Giants. He was expected to reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, and bring him in from the Ravens. However, he ended up taking over as the new coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Harbaugh and the Giants ended up signing Matt Nagy as an alternative. As per an article by The Athletic, which labeled him as a “consolation prize” compared to Monken, Harbaugh had faith in Nagy and his ability to develop a strong offense.

“Of course. Of course,” Harbaugh said. “I expect Matt to be the best ever. I’m hoping that he’ll be the best offensive coordinator to ever coach the game, that’s what we’re shooting for.”

John Harbaugh had brought in Todd Monken as the Ravens offensive coordinator in 2023. In three seasons together, they made the playoffs twice while losing to the Chiefs in the AFC championship game during their first year together.

On the other hand, Matt Nagy spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He started as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach in 2022 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. Before this, he served as the head coach of the Bears from 2018 to 2021 and put up a 34-31 overall record.

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John Harbaugh opens up about why he decided to take the Giants head coaching job

After being fired by the Ravens, John Harbaugh had plenty of offers available. However, he decided to take over the Giants, who finished the 2025 season dead last in the NFC East with a 4-13 record.

On Friday’s episode of “The Dan Patrick” show, he came forward to talk about what attracted him to the franchise.

“I think, probably, if I’m being honest, it’s about the players,” Harbaugh said. “The players are really important in football. You gotta have great players. It’s a player’s game. It always has been a player’s game, and it will always be a player’s game. Great coaches have taught me that over the years.”

Harbaugh also revealed how rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart “excited” him the most. He took over the starting duties after a 0-3 start under Russell Wilson and ended the season with 2,272 yards and 15 TDs passing and rushing for 487 yards and nine TDs.