Giants’ Head Coach Search: Harbaugh Isn’t a Certainty Yet

If you were expecting the Giants to swiftly secure John Harbaugh as their next head coach, you might want to temper those hopes. General manager Joe Schoen has indicated he plans to “cast a wide net” when it comes to finding a new head coach. They’ve already lined up interviews with several candidates, some currently without a job while others are still under contract.

As reported, while there’s genuine interest in Harbaugh and he seems to be a leading candidate, quite a bit needs to unfold before the Giants make any official hires.

It’s worth noting that, per NFL regulations, initial interviews for candidates associated with teams that did not make the playoffs must be held virtually until the end of the divisional round. This doesn’t apply to unemployed coaches, which is why Kevin Stefanski, recently let go by the Browns, could meet the Giants in person for dinner on Tuesday and an interview the following day.

There’s a possibility that Harbaugh, along with Mike McCarthy—who the Giants intend to talk to after taking a year off following his dismissal from the Cowboys—could meet in person fairly soon.

Additionally, the Giants have also set up a meeting with former Falcons coach Raheem Morris, who was just recently let go after two seasons in Atlanta.

Candidates who can participate in virtual interviews are allowed to start those discussions three days following their team’s last regular-season game. This gives the Giants the green light to commence interviews as soon as Wednesday, with discussions also scheduled with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Now, for coaches whose teams are vying for wild card spots, interviews must wait until three days after that game’s conclusion. If a team moves on to the AFC or NFC Championship games, interviews for eliminated teams can begin post-divisional round. For coaches reaching the Super Bowl, they can arrange interviews during the bye week between the final two playoff rounds, but must halt all contact once Super Bowl week kicks off.

In any head coach search, teams are also required to adhere to the Rooney Rule. This mandates that they conduct in-person interviews with at least two outside minority candidates.