John Harbaugh’s unexpected firing by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons has sent shockwaves across the NFL coaching landscape. The Super Bowl-winning coach instantly became the most sought-after free agent on a cycle loaded with vacancies, and according to league insiders, Harbaugh is doing his homework on two young quarterbacks that he could potentially coach in the coming years.
Harbaugh Doing His Homework Before NFL Coaching Interviews
As of early January 2026, Harbaugh is widely considered one of the favorites to become the next head coach of the New York Giants, with BetOnline listing him at +150 to land that job (Only Kevin Stefanski has a lower figure at +110). That positioning reflects both his pedigree and the Giants’ urgent need for a proven leader to help develop young quarterback Jaxson Dart and aggressively turn around a franchise that finished near the bottom of the NFL last season.
John Harbaugh is spending today and the next few days watching film specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. He’s also been in contact with team decision makers, while continuing to communicate with potential members of his own coaching staff.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 10, 2026
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Harbaugh is spending Saturday and the following few days watching film specifically on Dart.
That isn’t the only player that he’s doing his homework on. In the same report, Russini states that Harbaugh will be doing the same work on Cam Ward, who is the young pass thrower for the Tennessee Titans. Ward showed tantalizing traits during his first year despite a rough rookie season overall, and he is an appealing piece for any potential candidates that the team considers for the head coaching spot.
Harbaugh A Long Shot To Land Titans’ Job
Interestingly, while the oddsmakers have Harbaugh as one of the clear favorites for the Giants job, it is not the case for the Titans. As of Saturday, Harbaugh was listed as a +2000 long shot to join Tennessee, with 12 other coaches carrying shorter betting designations. Given the small market, organizational instability of the Titans, and the fact they’ve never landed a coach with Harbaugh’s résumé, that gap in odds highlights how lukewarm that fit is currently perceived.
The Giants, for their part, offer the allure of a major media market, a franchise passer with potential, and weaponry that could blossom under a seasoned coach. Harbaugh’s experience nurturing multifaceted offenses aligns with Dart’s scheme versatility, making New York a compelling landing spot.
Whether he ultimately signs with the Giants or opts for another suitor will be one of the defining storylines of this coaching cycle. But for now, Harbaugh’s odds and early evaluations reveal both how intensely teams are pursuing him and how strategic he’s being about his next chapter in the NFL.
