New Giants Coach John Harbaugh Begins Defensive Staff Search With Fresh Name in Focus
John Harbaugh will become the New York Giants’ head coach, starting a new era and heightening expectations among fans and league watchers. The appointment of Harbaugh has garnered headlines, but developing a solid and competent coaching staff to support the squad is just as crucial.
Due to his special teams background, Harbaugh’s coordinator picks are crucial. He needs experienced offensive and defensive coordinators to balance his staff. If he doesn’t get an NFL head coaching job, Todd Monken is likely to follow Harbaugh from Baltimore on offense. Monken, who has never coached an NFL team, may generate interest in Cleveland.
On defense, Harbaugh has begun identifying candidates, and one name stands out. League sources say Harbaugh wants to interview Minnesota Vikings secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator Daronte Jones. The move shows Harbaugh is open to new leadership and ideas as he develops the Giants’ defense.
While Jones, 47, lacks NFL defensive coordinator experience, his resume has grown and deepened. He worked extensively with defensive backs at all levels and was LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021. Since 2022, he has coached the Vikings’ secondary and passing defense. He previously coached defensive backs for the Dolphins, Bengals, and Vikings between 2016 and 2020, as well as college and Canadian football. Jones added to his coaching resume as Bowie State’s defensive coordinator from 2005 to 2009.
Jones is not the only choice. Other candidates include Zach Orr, who recently directed Baltimore’s defense under Harbaugh, and Dennard Wilson, the Titans’ defensive coordinator and former Ravens secondary coach. Giants fans know Wilson from Brian Daboll’s attempt to hire him before the 2024 season. After Wilson selected Tennessee, the Giants signed Shane Bowen, who left after a poor stretch.
Since Jones has interviewed with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets for their defensive coordinator roles, the scenario may be competitive. Both teams’ head coaches may change after 2026. In light of the Giants’ long-term commitment to Harbaugh, Jones’ decision may be influenced by that uncertainty.
As Harbaugh builds his East Rutherford staff, stability, accountability, and growth remain priorities. The defensive coordinator hire will determine how soon the Giants can turn potential into outcomes. The team’s defense under its new leader should become evident in the coming weeks as interviews continue and various candidates are considered.
Sources:
ESPN
National Football League official communications
