<p>The New York Giants appear to have pulled off the most significant coaching hire of the 2026 cycle, with John Harbaugh poised to accept a five-year contract worth close to $150 million AUD to become the franchise's next head coach.</p> <p>Just nine days ago, Harbaugh was dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens after missing the playoffs in a heartbreaking fashion: a last-second field goal attempt that sailed wide right in Pittsburgh. Now, he's about to become one of the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/richest-nfl-players">highest paid NFL players</a> — or rather, coaches — joining the elite company of Kansas City's Andy Reid and Denver's Sean Payton.</p> <h2>John Harbaugh Contract Details: Five-Year Deal Worth Nearly $100M USD</h2> <p>The speed of this hiring probably feels like whiplash for everyone involved. Harbaugh, 63, spent 18 seasons in Baltimore, compiling a 180-113 regular season record and leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2012. Along the way, he became the 12th-winningest coach in NFL history with at least 193 victories when including playoff games.</p> <p>But the 2025 season proved fatal to his tenure in Maryland. The Ravens went just 8-9, collapsing repeatedly in fourth-quarter situations that frustrated owner Steve Bisciotti. After narrow losses to Buffalo in Week 1 and Pittsburgh in Week 18 sealed Baltimore's fate, Bisciotti made what he called an "incredibly difficult" decision to part ways with his long-time coach.</p> <p>The Giants, meanwhile, have been searching for stability after firing Brian Daboll in November following a dismal 2-8 start. Daboll finished his tenure with a 20-40-1 record, the fifth-worst by any head coach in franchise history. Interim coach Mike Kafka couldn't right the ship either, going 2-5 to close out another forgettable campaign.</p> <h2>Why the Giants Hired John Harbaugh: Proven Track Record and Super Bowl Experience</h2> <p>What Harbaugh brings to East Rutherford is something the Giants haven't had in years: a proven track record of sustained excellence. His dozen playoff appearances with Baltimore speak to a consistency that has eluded the Giants for the better part of a decade. He also brings Todd Monken, his former offensive coordinator in Baltimore, who's expected to join the Giants' staff in the same capacity.</p> <p>The financial commitment from ownership signals just how serious the Giants are about turning things around. Sources indicate the deal approaches something like $100 million over five years (roughly $150 million AUD), putting Harbaugh among the league's most handsomely compensated coaches. That's a considerable investment for a franchise that's watched division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas dominate the NFC East in recent seasons.</p> <p>For Harbaugh, the opportunity apparently came down to finding the right fit. He interviewed with Atlanta, Tennessee, and Miami before settling on New York. The Giants' willingness to give him full authority over football operations, combined with a young roster featuring intriguing pieces, seems to have sealed the deal.</p> <h2>What's Next for the New York Giants Under John Harbaugh</h2> <p>Make no mistake, this won't be an easy rebuild. The Giants finished 4-13 overall in 2025, and their quarterback situation remains murky at best. Understanding <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/nfl-free-agency-explained">how NFL free agency works</a> will be crucial for fans watching Harbaugh navigate roster construction this offseason.</p> <p>Ravens owner Bisciotti's decision to fire Harbaugh now looks questionable, especially given how quickly another team snapped him up. Baltimore fans are understandably furious, watching their Super Bowl-winning coach walk straight into a division rival's conference. The speed of Harbaugh's reemployment really underscores how valued he is around the league.</p> <p>What happens next for the Giants could define the franchise for years to come. Harbaugh's first order of business will be assembling his staff, addressing the quarterback position, and establishing a culture of accountability. Those looking to follow the team's progress can check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/american-football/nfl">NFL betting odds</a> throughout the season. If his track record means anything, Giants fans have reason to feel cautiously optimistic for the first time in quite a while.</p> <p>The NFL's coaching carousel spins quickly, but this particular move feels seismic. A coach with Harbaugh's pedigree doesn't hit the market often, and when he does, he doesn't stay available for long.</p> <h2><strong>Keep Reading</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/how-to-bet-on-nfl-playoffs">Your complete guide to betting on the NFL playoffs</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/predictions">Expert picks and predictions for this week's NFL action</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nfl/news/australian-players-nfl">The Aussies who've made their mark in the NFL</a></strong></li> </ul>