A few days ago, there was no concrete indication that any team was close to hiring John Harbaugh. The sources informed the NFL world that the former Baltimore Ravens head coach is in talks with the Tennessee Titans, the New York Giants, and other teams. However, only one team has reached a significant level of agreement with Harbaugh, and the contract details are extensive.
John Harbaugh’s Contract Details With The New York Giants, If Hired
The Giants are the ones closest to signing a deal with the former longtime Ravens HC. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Harbaugh is close to securing a massive five-year deal worth around $100 million. If that happens, Harbaugh will undoubtedly dominate the list of highest-paid NFL coaches.
Sources: The #Giants’ deal for John Harbaugh is expected to be for 5 years, with a total value that nears $100M.
He will be one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches — like he was in Baltimore. https://t.co/STHSPF6Hl7 pic.twitter.com/qDGP22sdoz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 15, 2026
It’s a fact that he was the third-highest-paid head coach in the NFL a few days ago, earning $17 million annually with the Ravens. But, notably, his next contract with the Giants can eclipse Andy Reid’s crown of highest-paid NFL coach, per the report by Sportico. The Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach is currently under a $100 million contract, which tops the list.
A five-year, $100 million deal means the potential new Giants coach, Harbaugh, would earn around $20 million in base salary, plus additional incentives, when the 2026 NFL season begins.
Then the list of the highest-earning NFL coaches would have only four names at the top: the Chiefs’ Reid, 63-year-old Harbaugh, the Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton, and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Harbaugh, respectively, from first place to fourth. [The list could have included Mike Tomlin, but the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach’s decision to step down after 19 seasons will affect his AAV aura.]
The NFL analyst Marshall Green also believes that the New York team should do whatever it takes to secure Harbaugh. He had also added on January 14, “I know for a fact that the Giants offered a job to John Harbaugh today, and I know for a fact that money is not going to be an issue. Word out there is that he could make more than $20 million per year. Do what you gotta do to get it done. For all I care, give him a pen, give him a blank check, and let him write his own contract. As long as he’s this team’s head coach.” Therefore, the numbers provided by Schultz are not rumors or unfounded.
Rumors to Reality: The Giants Are Very Close to Hiring Former Ravens HC
“I think this is the job for me,” Harbaugh told at least one person when asked about the head coach opportunity at the Giants.
And just a few hours ago, on January 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that John Harbaugh and the New York Giants are working toward finalizing a deal that would make Harbaugh the franchise’s next head coach. According to multiple sources who spoke with ESPN, a deal is expected, provided there are no setbacks.
Schefter noted that the agreement is not done yet, with contract figures still being negotiated. One source told him that there is “a lot to work through” before everything is finalized.
However, Schefter added that, barring any complications, Harbaugh is ready to accept the Giants’ offer, and New York is expected to move forward with hiring him as soon as possible.
The Giants were one of the seven teams in the NFL searching for a head coach since the firing of former head coach Brian Daboll and the decision not to continue with interim HC Mike Kafka.
It was reported that the Ravens’ former HC had received all 7 offers within the first 45 minutes after the Ravens fired him. But now, the Giants have emerged as Harbaugh’s next place.
Amidst this, the Giants’ QB Russell Wilson is not retiring, Jaxson Dart is preparing to prove his worth for the starting role, and QB3 Jameis Winston is finding his way. The rumors also suggested that the Giants might look for a rookie QB in the 2026 NFL Draft. They have the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Let’s see what happens.
