As Giants pursue John Harbaugh, Falcons could be stiff competition

The Giants' search for their next head coach is underway, and the picture is beginning to take shape.

Where things stand

Completed interviews:
The Giants have conducted initial interviews with Mike Kafka, Antonio Pierce, Kevin Stefanski, and Raheem Morris. Vance Joseph interviewed virtually.

Interview requests:
The team has requested interviews with Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to interview this week, along with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh when he decides to start talking to teams.

Because the Giants conducted in-person interviews with Pierce and Morris, they have satisfied the Rooney Rule requirements and are free to make a hire at any time.

The favorite

The Giants are "all-in" on Harbaugh, sources told SNY. He is No. 1 on the team's board.

There is strong support for Harbaugh within the organization, particularly from co-owner Steve Tisch, though multiple sources said the enthusiasm is widely shared throughout the building. Harbaugh is viewed internally as the prototype the Giants are seeking - a culture-first leader with a proven track record.

"He's a program builder," said one source who worked closely with Harbaugh. "He sets the tone for the entire building. Team-first, tough, detail-driven."

The question is how much Harbaugh wants the Giants. He values the opening, sources said, because of the franchise's history and quarterback Jaxson Dart, but New York is not the only team pursuing him. Other openings could offer Harbaugh influence over the choice of general manager - something the Giants are not currently willing to entertain, as they do not plan to move on from Joe Schoen at this time.

The Atlanta Falcons are a team to monitor, sources said. There is belief amongst other coaching candidates that it's the Giants and Falcons for Harbaugh, with the loser of those sweepstakes landing Kevin Stefanski.

The Miami Dolphins have Harbaugh interest, too, although they already made their general manager decision (Jon-Eric Sullivan). There could be additional vacancies opening after Wild Card Weekend.

If not Harbaugh

Stefanski was the first candidate interviewed and has strong support within the organization. Had kicker Tyler Loop not ended the Ravens' season, sources said Stefanski could have emerged as a frontrunner by the end of the week.

The Giants are impressed with what Stefanski accomplished in difficult circumstances in Cleveland and believe he could build a sustainable winner in New York.

The situation mirrors the Jets' 2024 quarterback pursuit. They strongly considered Derek Carr, but delayed until they had clarity on Aaron Rodgers. Once it became clear Rodgers was headed to New York, Carr moved on to New Orleans.

Similarly, league sources believe the Giants are unlikely to move forward with Stefanski until they know definitively whether Harbaugh is attainable.