The Giants’ decision-making process has taken an unexpected turn following the hiring of John Harbaugh.
This time, Harbaugh faced a setback.
He aimed to recruit Todd Monken from Baltimore for the offensive coordinator position, but that depended heavily on Monken not being picked up as a head coach by another team. Unfortunately, that scenario unfolded.
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the Browns chose Monken, concluding their lengthy search for a head coach.
Now, Harbaugh needs a backup plan.
This role is vital because the new offensive coordinator will be instrumental in guiding Jackson Dart during his pivotal second season in the NFL.
Monken collaborated with Harbaugh over the last three years with the Ravens and has the experience that led to Lamar Jackson winning his second MVP award. With Monken no longer in the picture, Harbaugh must pivot.
Perhaps anticipating that Monken would join the Browns, the Giants reached out to Davis Webb, the Broncos’ passing game coordinator, on Tuesday to seek permission for an interview.
Webb presents an intriguing option. Although he’s deemed a rising coaching talent, he hasn’t held a play-calling position in the NFL or elsewhere.
At 31, Webb has a history with the Giants, having been drafted by them in 2017. He expressed interest in coaching as early as his playing days. His father, Matt, coached successfully at the high school level in Texas.
Unfortunately, Webb’s playing career didn’t blossom as expected. He failed to take the field in his rookie year and was notable just for being replaced by Geno Smith while Eli Manning was on the field.
After being waived, he spent his 2018 season with the Jets and joined the Bills as a practice squad player until 2021.
During his time with the Bills, he impressed coach Sean McDermott, who tried to promote him to quarterbacks coach, but Webb wasn’t ready to leave playing behind.
He reflected, “When you get two contracts to keep playing, it’s something you’d regret if you walked away too soon.”
Webb later joined the Giants in 2022, assisting Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor with the offense crafted by Daboll.
Daboll highlighted Webb’s worth in various aspects, expressing that it was beneficial to have someone familiar with the system.
Most of his last season was spent on the practice squad, making his NFL starting debut in a game against the Eagles, where he completed 23 of 40 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown in a close loss.
That marked the end of Webb’s playing days. In 2023, he was hired by Sean Payton as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach and received praise from quarterback Russell Wilson.
In 2024, Webb made significant contributions to the rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s growth, later becoming the passing game coordinator while Payton retained play-calling responsibilities.
Nix appreciated Webb’s preparation and insights, noting that Webb’s experience as a player helped them tackle game challenges effectively.
Webb has quickly expedited his coaching career, interviewing with the Bills and Raiders for head coaching roles. He’s also been approached by the Giants, Eagles, and Ravens to discuss their open offensive coordinator positions.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen has a history with Webb from their shared time in Buffalo and with the Giants in 2022. Recently, Harbaugh also spoke with Robert Prince, a seasoned NFL wide receivers coach, about the offensive coordinator position.
Harbaugh now has to find the right fit for the job, shaping the future of the team.
