Giants Unhappy with Falcons’ Coaching Moves

The Giants are feeling a bit unsettled about the Falcons’ recent activities.

On Monday, Atlanta made it known that their interview with John Harbaugh had concluded. Although it later came to light that this call was more of an investigative discussion, Harbaugh had reached out to several other teams as well.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor, Giants owner Chris Mara mentioned during a casual lunch at Harbaugh’s house prior to his official Giants interview on Sunday.

Following this, there was some tension when the news broke that the Falcons had named Harbaugh as their new coach. O’Connor later tweeted that the Giants felt blindsided—many in the organization were unhappy that Atlanta seemed to conduct too many calls with Harbaugh, treating them as official interviews. Chris Mara reportedly went on the record about this critique.

It raises an interesting point—can a phone conversation with a coaching candidate really be considered an interview? Regardless, it appears the Giants were the sole team to officially host him.

Harbaugh spent time with the Giants on Wednesday, dining at a local Mediterranean restaurant before heading back home. Although he had set up a meeting with the Titans, he opted to skip it in order to finalize his contract with the Giants.

Anticipation is building around this deal, which should wrap up shortly. Even the Giants’ social media account teased the impending news with a cheeky post on Thursday.

The Giants’ lack of additional sit-down interviews for Harbaugh is telling—it shows just how focused they are on his hiring.

Giants’ leaders including John Mara, Chris Mara, Steve Tisch, and GM Joe Schoen have all been quite clear about their desire for a swift turnaround for the franchise.

Of course, dedicating a potential record-setting contract—one that could go beyond $100 million—does help sweeten the deal.

As the Giants seemingly prepare to officially announce Harbaugh’s hiring, the Falcons and Titans are still on the hunt for their next coaches.

Atlanta has confirmed interviews with former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Meanwhile, the Titans’ list reportedly includes McDaniel, former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, former Jets coach and current 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, along with former Giants coach Brian Daboll.