Insider details John Harbaugh's plans for taking head-coaching interviews

The New York Giants reportedly have significant interest in Harbaugh, and The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Saturday that the 2019 Associated Press Coach of the Year "is spending today and the next few days watching film, specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward."

Dart was the Giants' second first-round pick of the 2025 NFL Draft and started 12 games for New York this season. He was 216-of-339 (63.7 percent) for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 487 yards and nine touchdowns.

Ward, 2025's No. 1 overall pick, was 323-of-540 (59.8 percent) for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Tennessee Titans, who hold the No. 4 pick in this year's draft.

Of the two, the Giants likely have a more realistic chance of contending under Harbaugh thanks to an excellent defensive line and promising skill-position players in place at wide receiver (Malik Nabers) and running back (Cam Skattebo).

Among the other openings, the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins seem as though the most viable options. On Saturday, the Falcons had four players named All-Pro, including first-team running back Bijan Robinson (he was also named second-team all-purpose), second-team tight end Kyle Pitts (a pending free agent), second-team right guard Chris Lindstrom and second-team safety Jessie Bates III.

Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks was named to the first-team, while Aaron Brewer was a second-team All-Pro center.

Both teams have questions at quarterback. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's run in Miami is on the rocks after he was benched for the season's final three games, while Atlanta's Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from season-ending knee surgery. The unsettled nature of both situations could deter Harbaugh, but the two teams have enough talent that he may be able to elevate either roster.

The Las Vegas Raiders have the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, which might also be intriguing.

Two teams that could have the worst chances of receiving a rose and advancing past the initial introductions are the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns. Both are as dysfunctional off the field as on, and with better options available, Harbaugh shouldn't waste his — or their — time.

Wild-card weekend may also dictate his plans. Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott might need a win at the Jacksonville Jaguars to keep his job. Matt LaFleur's status in Green Bay has also raised eyebrows, with the seventh-year coach set to enter 2026 on an expiring deal. If the Packers end their season on a five-game losing streak, could they decide against giving him an extension and instead pursue a proven playoff winner in Harbaugh?

It's at least possible, helping explain Harbaugh's slow, meticulous approach to setting up interviews. The best job might not be open yet.