John Harbaugh’s introductory Giants press conference was precisely as expected.
Filled with clichés, one might think Harbaugh was hired to coach a fictional university team. The questions were mostly easy, typical for such an event, amplified by the local press’s excitement over Harbaugh and their desire to see the Giants succeed again.
Despite the fanfare, there were some key points of substance:
Joe Schoen is on the clock
The Giants tried to present a united front, but the reality was evident. Harbaugh praised his new general manager, Joe Schoen, sincerely. Co-owner Chris Mara’s comments on decision-making were telling, as was Mara calling Harbaugh “the most important cog.” Schoen looked uneasy, and it’s clear Harbaugh is now in charge. Collaborative talk isn’t to be mistaken for shared power.
“I’m not worried about that,” Schoen said post-conference, though he seemed shaken in his opening remarks.
The message was clear: don’t print that he’s worried.
Schoen emphasized the importance of coach-GM collaboration based on his 26-year NFL experience. He stressed unity and doing what’s best for the Giants, dismissing concerns about formalities.
Schoen, nearing the end of his contract, avoided contract discussions. It’s likely he’ll receive an extension after the NFL draft for appearances, but Harbaugh’s authority is unmistakable, regardless of photo ops.
Chris Mara takes the lead (for now)
Chris Mara spoke to the media on behalf of ownership, given John Mara’s health battle. With Steve Tisch silent, Chris Mara’s role in hiring Harbaugh was significant, despite self-serving leak suspicions.
Tom Coughlin with the assist
Former coach Tom Coughlin was instrumental in the process, facilitating an initial meeting with Harbaugh. Harbaugh is expected to fill the leadership void left by Coughlin. It was right for Coughlin to exit, but not keeping Jerry Reese was the mistake.
The Harbaugh quote everyone will grab on to
Harbaugh’s speech on loving football was stirring, though previous roster issues, not passion, were the team’s downfall. Nevertheless, his enthusiastic words resonate strongly:
We have to have guys who love football. You just have to. It’s football. What are we here for? What do we do? What is this building for? It’s for football. This is a football team. And we need guys who love everything about football. They love the games, they love the practices, they love the weight lifting, they love the meetings, they love the dining hall, they love every part of football. And if you love football, you’re going to want to be here. You’re going to want to drive in that parking lot every single day. You’re going to want to walk through those doors and walk up in those halls, you’re going to want to get in front of that tape and watch every single day because you’re going to be around a bunch of guys that love what you love. They love football. Because that’s what we’re going to be doing. Football. All the time. Every day. And if there are guys around that don’t love football, we’re probably going to let those guys go play somewhere else. Because if you don’t love football, you’re not going to love it here. Because we’ll be doing football. That’s the plan.
Like a college coach speech, it may tire if wins don’t follow.
The Harbaugh quote we call BS on
Regarding reporting to co-owner John Mara, Harbaugh downplayed its importance.
I think it’s kind of overblown a little bit in terms of how it works. But the main thing is that it works and we work together. That’s what matters. That’s kind
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