The New York Giants are entering a new era with John Harbaugh as their head coach. At least that's what fans were led to believe earlier this week.
On Wednesday night, ESPN's Adam Schefter and several others reported that Harbaugh is finalizing a deal to become the next coach of the Giants. He's expected to bring offensive coordinator Todd Monken with him to New York. That is, of course, if he puts pen to paper and makes it official.
The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens has not yet commented on his NFL future. On Friday morning, we learned why that's the case.
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According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Giants have not yet reached an agreement with Harbaugh. That could change in the coming hours, but nothing is final yet.
"Reports late Wednesday night that Harbaugh was accepting the job were at best premature," Pelissero said. "Talks on Thursday did not result in a deal - the sides are engaged in a deal this morning. It very well could get done in the next few hours. The Giants are optimistic they're getting close to the finish line, but at this moment, nothing is finalized."
What's preventing Harbaugh from agreeing to a deal with the Giants? Pelissero made it clear that money isn't the issue here.
"Harbaugh has been very methodical about doing his due diligence on all the interested teams. This is a guy who spent 18 years as the Ravens' head coach. Prior to that, he spent 10 years with the Eagles. He knows what championship organizations look like."
Are there any other contenders for Harbaugh?
Before it was reported that Harbaugh agreed to a deal with the Giants on Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans were gearing up for a meeting with the Super Bowl champion.
“John Harbaugh will fly out of Teterboro airport very soon back to his home, where he is scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans decision makers on Thursday, sources tell me,” The Athletic's Dianna Russini said. “The meeting will serve as a formal in-person interview with the Titans at Harbaugh’s residence.”
The Atlanta Falcons have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Harbaugh. As of this time though, it doesn't sound like he'll be taking his talents to the NFC South.
Perhaps the most interesting scenario would be the Green Bay Packers moving on from Matt LaFleur. If that happens, Harbaugh might want to interview for that job.