Giants are setting QB Jaxson Dart up for success with HC plan

John Harbaugh. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Giants are setting QB Jaxson Dart up for success with John Harbaugh plan

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 8:09 AM ET

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is charismatic, but who thought he could help convince a Super Bowl-winning coach to join the team in one visit?

On Wednesday, former Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh met with the Giants for an in-person interview at their facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They reportedly let Dart meet and chat with him. He must have impressed the coach.

Hours later, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Harbaugh and the Giants are working to finalize a deal that would make him the team's next HC. A deal is expected, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Harbaugh's expected hire is a win for Dart. The move puts him in a position to take off in 2026.

John Harbaugh and the Giants are working to finalize an agreement to make him New York’s next head coach and, barring a setback, a deal is expected, multiple sources tell ESPN.

The deal is not final and contract numbers still are being negotiated. “There still is a lot to work… pic.twitter.com/CQmSljImf9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2026

How the Giants are setting up Jaxson Dart for success with the expected hire of John Harbaugh

Dart — the 25th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft — proved he could overcome dysfunction throughout his rookie season. He lost his No. 1 wide receiver, Malik Nabers, to a season-ending ACL tear in a 21-18 Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. New York also fired former HC Brian Daboll after a 2-8 start, replacing him with interim HC Mike Kafka.

Despite that, the former Ole Miss Rebels star produced solid numbers for a rookie QB. In 14 games, the 22-year-old passer completed 63.7% of his passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdown passes and five interceptions. He also rushed for nine TDs. For his efforts, he was named an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

Harbaugh should provide much-needed stability for the franchise — which has gone 7-27 over its past 34 games — giving Dart an even better chance to become a star. He went 180-113 in 18 seasons with Baltimore and turned eighth-year QB Lamar Jackson into a two-time league MVP.

It's too early to do a list of breakout candidates, but if we did, Dart may be ranked at No. 1. Playing for one of the most accomplished coaches in the league could help him become the talk of New York during the 2026 season.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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