Harbaugh’s Influence on the Giants
SAN JOSE, CA — A warm thanks for your understanding.
Uncle John really means business.
That’s the message from his nephew regarding what Giants players can expect in the spring as they welcome their new head coach. “I think we’re going to give it our all,” Jay Harbaugh mentioned during a media session preceding the Super Bowl.
“He’s quite relentless when it comes to keeping the main thing the main thing. And while it’s tough, he’s also smart—he’ll push hard but won’t put players in any unnecessarily risky situations. They’ll be well-coached and definitely challenged, yet he’s both reasonable and caring. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Jay, who is clearly a bit biased, acknowledges, “I believe my dad and he are the nicest people around.”
Of course, there’s that bias—John is his uncle, and Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers’ head coach, is his dad. Though Jay once considered a future in the FBI, he realized that just wasn’t in his family’s DNA.
Jim’s Ravens fell out of playoff contention on the last day of the regular season, while John’s Chargers topped the postseason rankings before losing in the AFC Wild Card Game. Jay serves as the Seahawks’ special teams coordinator and remains the last Harbaugh sibling left as they aim for a Super Bowl victory against the Patriots this Sunday.
Following Jay Harbaugh’s coaching journey feels like flipping through a family photo album. He spent four years as an undergrad assistant at Oregon State under Mike Riley, who once coached the Chargers while Jim was the quarterback. Jay’s NFL journey started in 2012 when he joined his uncle’s team, then made his way to Michigan in 2015 to work with his father.
After nearly a decade, he returned to the NFL in 2024 under Mike McDonald to lead Seattle’s special teams. Interestingly, while McDonald isn’t a Harbaugh formally, he’s familiar with the family’s culture, having previously worked for both John and Jay.
For context, Harbaugh’s coaching roots trace back to their grandfather, Jack, who had a lengthy coaching career.
When Jay needed advice, he didn’t have to look far. “I’m incredibly thankful for those relationships as I grew up. It’s like water to a fish—just part of what I know. Being involved in discussions about challenging choices and team strategy has shaped me for a long time, and I’m really grateful,” he said.
Of course, family gatherings usually veer into predictable territory.
“We can’t avoid the heated political debates that come up during family get-togethers,” Jay admitted. Yet he added that if football vanished, it wouldn’t be gone for long.
These conversations reflect more than just the coaches present.
“Grandma Jackie and all the women around here are fans of the game too,” Jay said.
Jay is very much in the mix. The Seahawks are still in the game, largely thanks to their special teams unit, which was rated seventh in the league.
“He’s constantly adjusting and strategizing. He makes sure we execute the right plays with the right players,” kick returner George Holani mentioned during the season.
Jay Harbaugh previously experienced the Super Bowl with John after the 2012 season. Now he’s back, while his uncle has joined the Giants.
“From where I stand, they have talent and some standout players,” Jay noted, expressing excitement about his uncle’s potential impact.
“He’s bound to do a fantastic job. He’s the kind of person who will take any situation and make it better for himself and the team. He’s enthusiastic and full of energy, and he really thrives on challenges. That’s encouraging for our family, especially when others might doubt what’s possible.”
