The New York Giants intended to project stability and confidence during John Harbaugh‘s introductory press conference, but Joe Schoen‘s appearance alongside the new head coach is what really caught everyone’s attention.
Instead of reinforcing a seamless transition, the general manager’s brief remarks became a talking point of their own, drawing widespread reaction and fueling online debate about his role as a leader in the franchise.
“John Harbaugh has amassed 193 career victories, 13 playoff wins and a Super Bowl championship.”
His delivery, however, included frequent pauses and deep breaths, revealing visible unease.
Schoen continued: “John…has built a foundation of culture, player development and toughness throughout all of his programs that he’s been a part of.
“He’s a proven winner… and, when, when we set out to do this we knew that John was going to be the perfect person for the New York Giants.”
But social media reacted quickly, with fans highlighting Schoen‘s heavy breathing and tense demeanor.
One wrote, “He knows he’s getting fired in a year.”
While another added, “He knows if this does not work, it’s a wrap for him. John will get his own GM.”
Reporters, however, noted that Schoen appeared well and conducted one-on-one interviews without the same anxiety he displayed during the announcement.
The tension partly stems from Harbaugh‘s contract, reportedly five years and around $100 million, with final value tied to team success, according to The Athletic.
Harbaugh also requested reporting directly to Giants owner John Mara, signaling a coach-led structure rather than the prior GM-driven model.
His future now feels tied closely to the team’s performance next season, especially as the Giants have gone 22-45-1 under his leadership. Things need to change.
Harbaugh weighs in on Jaxson Dart
The New York Giants are preparing for a new era under head coach John Harbaugh, who must determine whether Jaxson Dart remains the team’s starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season.
Dart‘s performance in 2025 included replacing Russell Wilson mid-year but while he has shown flashes of talent and leadership, injuries, particularly multiple concussions, limited his playing time.
That’s leaving questions about his durability and readiness for a full season in New York and his long-term future with the team, but the ex-Ravens boss weighed in directly.
“It starts with the quarterback, for sure,” Harbaugh said, of turning the franchise around. “You build your team around your quarterback.
“You build your team around your players and what they do well, and I like the way he plays. I like his talent, skill set, all the things he’s accomplished.
“But more than that, I like who he is and what he’s about. To me, he’s about football. This young guy loves football.
“He wants to talk football all the time. And that’s what I like doing too so I think we’re going to have a lot of great conversations. Can’t wait to get started with him.”
The Giants‘ offensive outlook is promising, as Dart will be central to shaping the team under Harbaugh.
New York’s defense may require only minor adjustments, allowing the franchise to build around a young, dynamic core and increase playoff competitiveness.
The partnership between head coach and quarterback may determine whether New York converts potential into tangible wins during the 2026 season.
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