John Harbaugh's arrival as head coach has given the New York Giants a jolt of credibility. The organization endured double-digit losses in 10 of the last 12 seasons, including a 4-13 finish last year that cost the previous coaching staff their jobs.
Harbaugh's path to New York began Jan. 6, when the Baltimore Ravens fired him after 18 seasons. The dismissal came two days after a rookie kicker's missed field goal eliminated the Ravens from contention, costing them what would have been their seventh AFC North title and 13th playoff appearance under Harbaugh.
He did not stay available long. Within 45 minutes of his firing, seven teams contacted his agent, Bryan Harlan. That number grew to at least nine in the following days. On Jan. 17, Harbaugh signed a five-year, $100 million contract to coach the Giants.
Seven months in, his demeanor has stayed loose. After a recent practice he told a reporter, "I feel really great about the situation, and I feel loose."
Harbaugh has pushed that message to his players and staff, citing advice given to Marine snipers: "Stay loose, stay focused." He was quick to add that winning football games is not a "life or death" situation.
In June, Harbaugh led an unannounced trip to the 9/11 Memorial Museum in Lower Manhattan. He said the visit would be "really heavy" for players who did not remember the attacks or were not yet born.
Harbaugh has said he expects the Giants to compete for the playoffs and a championship. The team's ability to deliver will hinge on second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo staying healthy and developing.
