John Harbaugh couldn’t be more pumped to coach Malik Nabers with Giants: ‘Kind of a dream’

John Harbaugh never expected to coach Malik Nabers - the receiver was not going to fall to the Ravens in the 2024 draft - and was thrilled to only have to find ways to defend him about once every four seasons.

So, when they hopped on the phone for the first time in recent days after Harbaugh was hired by the Giants, as Nabers rehabbed his torn ACL in Los Angeles, there was a lot to say.

I just loved talking to him," Harbaugh said. His joy and excitement. He had some really good ideas. He's really a thoughtful guy. He wasn't a guy that we had a chance for [drafting]. It was like, Look at this guy. He's really good. Just kind of a dream.' "

Malik Nabers catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter after beating safety Donovan Wilson (6(, and cornerback Kaiir Elam (20) in the Giants' loss to the Cowboys' in Dallas this past regular season.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

As Nabers is first to admit, his ideas often boil down to, Throw me the ball." Former head coach Brian Daboll let Nabers have input into play-calling and quarterback scouting.

Nabers said earlier this month that he wouldn't be back on the field in Week 1 if my body doesn't feel right," but general manager Joe Schoen struck a more optimistic tone.

Schoen said Nabers, who underwent surgery Oct. 28, is trending to hopefully be ready for [the start of] training camp."

Things can change," Schoen quickly added. That's the hope."

Harbaugh said there are a number of guys who have a pretty good idea" they're coming from the Ravens coaching and support staffs to join the Giants.

You can't know that until it's done," he added. We'll keep our fingers crossed on some guys."

The Ravens blocked special teams coordinator Chris Horton and others from making lateral moves as they await hiring a new head coach, NFL Network reported.

Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks at the press conference announcing his hiring at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Giants have to satisfy the Rooney Rule and interview at least two minority candidates for coordinator positions and at least one for quarterbacks coach. Other position coaches are not subject to the Rooney Rule.

Harbaugh said there are great coaches" in-house who he will meet with beginning Wednesday.

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One of the many reasons Harbaugh was attractive to the Giants is his fruitful coaching tree. His predecessors have had a difficult time filling out their staffs with in-demand candidates.

We will build the very best coaching staff that we can," Harbaugh said. My dad always said ... coaches are teachers first. The ability to take a vision that's well-organized, a structure that's put together in a really good way that the players can play fast, play around their skill set."

Former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is a candidate to be Browns head coach. If he doesn't get that job, he'll be the favorite to call plays for Jaxson Dart.

There's a lot of good offensive minds out there," Schoen said, and we're going to talk to several candidates specifically on that side of the ball because that's very important."

Schoen said RB Cam Skattebo should be good" to participate in the offseason program that begins April 6 after his season ended due to a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia.