Harbaugh and Giants officials downplay change to reporting structure

Cbssports reports that John Harbaugh downplayed the significance of a change to the New York Giants' reporting structure at his introductory press conference. Several days passed between when Harbaugh reportedly accepted the job and the team's official announcement, and multiple reports linked the delay to Harbaugh pushing for that change.

Harbaugh said he will report directly to ownership rather than general manager Joe Schoen, a departure from recent Giants practice, but called the distinction "not really that important." "I think it's kind of overblown a little bit in terms of how it works," he said, adding that the main thing is that they "work together" and that "we all report to the boss, and the boss is ownership." He also praised Schoen, saying he was "very impressed" with the general manager's football knowledge.

Senior vice president of player personnel Chris Mara rejected the idea Harbaugh will have final say on roster moves, calling Harbaugh "the most important cog in the wheel." "He doesn't have final say, It's collaborative," Mara said, though he conceded Harbaugh may have been the only candidate who carried enough sway for the Giants to change their usual approach.

Key Topics

Sports, John Harbaugh, New York Giants, Joe Schoen, Chris Mara, Giants Ownership