Bears’ historic comeback sinks Packers, 49ers upset Eagles
USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes reacts to every game of the NFL’s chaotic but entertaining Wild Card weekend.
John Harbaugh didn’t have to wait long to find a new job.
The New York Giants are working on a deal to make Harbaugh their next head coach, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday night. Barring any obstacles in establishing the exact terms of the contract, Harbaugh is expected to reach an agreement with the team, Schefter reported.
The former Baltimore Ravens head coach spent about a week away from work after his former team fired him on Jan. 6 before focusing on his promising new arrival.
The 2019 NFL Coach of the Year had his first in-person meeting with the Giants on Jan. 14 after a full week of virtual meetings with New York and other teams.
If the deal is completed, the Giants will be the first of nine teams to fill a head coaching vacancy this offseason.
Harbaugh, 63, immediately became a top head coaching candidate after parting ways with the Ravens. Schefter reported on Jan. 6 that within 45 minutes of Harbaugh’s firing, seven teams contacted Harbaugh’s agent about the vacancy.
By the time the Ravens fired Harbaugh, he had been their head coach for 18 full seasons, amassing a 180-113 record and winning a Super Bowl. His 180 wins make him the 14th-winningest coach in NFL history and the fourth-most among active coaches. Harbaugh’s 13 playoff wins are tied for seventh all-time and second most among active coaches behind Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (28).
Harbaugh’s tenure with the Ravens ended after Baltimore lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18, eliminating them from playoff contention. Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loup’s first 44-yard field goal missed the right side of the frame, dropping the Ravens’ record to 8-9. This season marked the second time in the past eight years that Baltimore has missed the playoffs.
In New York, Harbaugh replaces Brian Daboll, who was fired on Nov. 10 after going 2-8. The Giants have opted to allow general manager Joe Schon to continue his coaching search.
