New Giants HC John Harbaugh opens up about alleged issues with Ravens' Lamar Jackson

Even before Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti unceremoniously fired head coach John Harbaugh, a report said that Harbaugh had grown "tired of" Ravens quarterback and two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

On Tuesday, the New York Giants officially introduced Harbaugh as their next head coach. During an afternoon appearance on New York sports radio station WFAN, Harbaugh was asked about the Jackson-related rumors. 

John Harbaugh had a "phenomenal relationship" with Lamar Jackson before Ravens exit

"Phenomenal relationship with Lamar," Harbaugh said, per Madison Williams of Sports Illustrated. "Everything has been absolutely positive. Ask him, he’ll tell you. We love each other. We tell each other we love each other. He’s one of my favorite human beings. We revolutionized offensive football with Lamar Jackson. I don’t know why that doesn’t get written about more."

Fair or not, the perception exists that Jackson and other Ravens players basically got Harbaugh fired, in part because he allegedly lost the locker room. It has also been reported that some Ravens players viewed Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken "as increasingly standoffish and unwilling to collaborate with players." 

While Bisciotti later confirmed that he decided to show Harbaugh the door after speaking with Jackson and "a bunch of" veteran players, Bisciotti also said at the time that Jackson insisted during those chats that he had no problem with either Harbaugh or Monken.

Why John Harbaugh, Lamar Jackson rumors matter for Giants

Unless a different team hires Monken as its next head coach, he is expected to follow Harbaugh and become the Giants' next OC. Together, Harbaugh and Monken will be tasked with developing Big Blue quarterback Jaxson Dart, a 2025 first-round draft pick. 

Dart was one of the key figures associated with the Giants who reportedly met with Harbaugh at the team's facility on Jan. 14. Thus far, the two seem to be on the same page regarding how the 22-year-old can build upon a rookie season that admittedly was filled with highs and lows. 

Harbaugh clearly is running the Giants' show, so one would think he would be permitted to move on from Dart as soon as next year if problems arise between the two over the next 12 months or so.