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Jordan Raanan
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart had an extensive conversation with coach John Harbaugh during the team’s pursuit of the Super Bowl XLVII champion. They spoke on multiple occasions over the phone, culminating in an in-depth meeting during Harbaugh’s interview on January 14.
Harbaugh, who reached an agreement by the end of that day and was officially hired as the Giants head coach over the weekend, was the preferred choice for Dart and his teammates.
“When Coach Harbaugh’s name came up, that was the one that we were all really, really excited about and wanted to have,” Dart said in an interview with ESPN while enjoying a family vacation. “From our perspective, the guys just can’t wait to play for him and have the chance to be coached by him.”
Harbaugh was let go on January 6 after 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Dart was pleasantly surprised to see him available. This development allowed the Giants to combine a seasoned coach with a promising young quarterback.
“Winning,” Dart emphasized when reflecting on his expectations of working with Harbaugh. “A whole lot of winning. That’s it.”
Harbaugh welcomed the high expectations during his introductory press conference on Tuesday, stressing that the objective is to earn the title of world champions in New York.
Dart is a significant part of why Harbaugh believes this is achievable, as he thoroughly assessed all quarterbacks from coaching vacancies before deciding to join the Giants.
“The quarterback is pretty essential. That’s a big deal,” Harbaugh remarked. “I’m thrilled about Jaxson Dart. … I admire his style of play, his skills, and everything he’s accomplished, but more importantly, I appreciate who he is and what he represents. He’s definitely about football.”
Dart was equally impressed. Their in-person meeting during Harbaugh’s interview at the team facility was going so well that it had to be cut short because it continued for almost two hours.
Harbaugh has a strong track record of creating an environment conducive to a quarterback’s development. He mentored Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson during his tenure in Baltimore, which adds to Dart’s excitement, given that Harbaugh’s teams made the playoffs in 12 out of 18 seasons and secured a Super Bowl win.
“From a football perspective, he has the ability to build competitive teams every year, irrespective of the talent level,” Dart noted. “He consistently positions his team for victory. That’s the coach I aspire to play for, and as a person, I respect him as well.”
Dart mentioned that he hasn’t yet connected with Jackson, Baltimore’s two-time MVP quarterback, but he did talk to former Giants and Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who gave glowing reviews after his experience in Baltimore during the 2023 season.
The Giants quarterback, who was named a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year on Thursday, expressed his amazement at how impressed Harbaugh is with his performance. Dart recorded 24 total touchdowns and seven turnovers in his rookie year.
“Yeah, I mean, that says a lot,” Dart commented. “It means a lot since you want to play for a coach who believes in you.”
Harbaugh has been occupied recently, working on assembling his coaching staff for the Giants. It’s believed he aims to bring Todd Monken from Baltimore as the offensive coordinator to collaborate with Dart, provided Monken isn’t tapped for the head coaching role with the Cleveland Browns.
Dart mentioned he has been engaged in “a lot of communication” regarding the search for coaches, although technically he’s still classified as a rookie and is not being asked for input on who should be hired.
If he were consulted, Harbaugh would have been his clear choice for head coach, and his interactions with the new hire only reinforced that belief.
“He was just a coach whose messages resonated with me immediately, and the way he carries himself, plus his impressive track record, is remarkable,” Dart said. “The winning culture, the intensity, and the passion for the game are evident in everything he brings to the team. I can’t wait to get started with him.”
