John Harbaugh close to agreement to become New York Giants head coach

Cbssports reported, citing NFL insider Jonathan Jones, that the New York Giants are working to finalize an agreement with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh late Wednesday night.

The Giants moved quickly to pursue Harbaugh before he could take reported meetings with the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons this weekend. Harbaugh compiled a 180-113 regular-season record with the Ravens, made the playoffs 12 times in 18 seasons, went 13-11 in the postseason and won a Super Bowl in 2012. He is described as a CEO-style coach who was a former special-teams coordinator, known for aggressive fourth-down decisions and adapting systems around his players; reports have circulated that he would bring Todd Monken as offensive coordinator to help build around Jaxson Dart.

Age (he'll turn 64 early next season) and the Ravens' recent propensity for blowing leads are noted as slight concerns, but supporters say his track record should mitigate those issues. Observers including Pete Prisco called the hire an "A" for Harbaugh and an "A+" for the Giants, while Danny Kanell gave it an "A+." The deal is being finalized and it remains unclear who Harbaugh will bring on the defensive side of the ball.

Key Topics

Sports, John Harbaugh, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Todd Monken, Jaxson Dart