John Harbaugh explains his feelings on termination ‘consolation prize’ after Todd Monken ditches Giants for Browns HC job

John Harbaugh is set to begin a new chapter in his coaching journey with the New York Giants. He spent the past 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens before being fired after finishing last season with an 8-9 record and no playoff appearances.

Over the past few days, Harbaugh has been busy rebuilding a new coaching staff with the Giants. He was expected to reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, and bring him over from the Ravens. However, he ended up taking over as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Harbaugh and the Giants ended up signing Matt Nagy as a replacement. According to an article by The Athletic, which described him as a “consolation prize” compared to Monken, Harbaugh had faith in Nagy and his ability to develop a potent offense.

“Of course. Of course,” Harbaugh said. “I expect Matt to be the best ever. I hope he’s the best offensive coordinator to ever coach the game, and that’s what we’re striving for.”

John Harbaugh brought in Todd Monken as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator in 2023. In three seasons together, they made the playoffs twice while losing to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game during their first year together.

Matt Nagy, on the other hand, spent the last four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He started as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach in 2022 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. Before that, he served as the Bears’ head coach from 2018-2021 and posted a 34-31 overall record.

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John Harbaugh talks about why he decided to take over as head coach of the Giants

After being fired by the Ravens, John Harbaugh had a lot of offers available. However, he decided to take over the Giants, who finished the 2025 season dead last in the NFC East with a 4-13 record.

On Friday’s episode of “The Dan Patrick,” he came forward to talk about what attracted him to the series.

“I think, if I’m honest, it’s about the players,” Harbaugh said. “Players are really important in football. You have to have great players. It’s a player’s game. It’s always been a player’s game, it will always be a player’s game. Great coaches have taught me that over the years.”

Harbaugh also revealed how rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart “turned him on” the most. He took over the starting duties after an 0-3 start under Russell Wilson and finished the season with 2,272 yards and 15 TDs rushing for 487 yards and nine TDs.