Giants' Thibodeaux Embraces Harbaugh's 'Old-School' Coaching

Linebacker praises new Giants head coach's no-nonsense approach as a needed reset for the team.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is enthusiastic about the arrival of new head coach John Harbaugh, praising his 'old-school' and straightforward coaching style as a much-needed reset for the team. Thibodeaux spoke with veteran players who played under Harbaugh in Baltimore, reinforcing the coach's reputation as a strict, no-nonsense leader who 'knows football and he loves football'.

Why it matters

After seasons of inconsistency, the Giants are hoping Harbaugh's disciplined approach can help turn the team around. Thibodeaux's endorsement of the new coach's style suggests the players are receptive to the change in culture.

The details

Thibodeaux expressed a preference for Harbaugh's direct, 'black and white' coaching style, saying he likes when coaches 'don't have to sugarcoat what they say' and 'take no (expletive.' He believes this will be good for the team's young players. Thibodeaux had previously dismissed suggestions that Giants players were reaching out about Harbaugh, but his recent comments show he has since actively sought insights into the new coach.

  • Thibodeaux made inquiries about Harbaugh during Super Bowl week in San Francisco.
  • The Giants hired John Harbaugh as their new head coach in January 2026.

The players

Kayvon Thibodeaux

A linebacker for the New York Giants who had his fifth-year option picked up and is eager to thrive under Harbaugh's structured coaching environment.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, known for his 'old-school', no-nonsense coaching style that Thibodeaux has embraced.

Dennard Wilson

The Giants' new defensive coordinator under Harbaugh.

Charlie Bullen

The Giants' position coach who was retained on Harbaugh's staff.

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What they’re saying

“I always like when you pass a certain age, you don't have to sugarcoat what you say, you're just kinda straightforward, white and black. You see a lot of different cultures, different people that want to sometimes change their ways for the new generation or they want to fit in or whatever the case may be.”

— Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants Linebacker (New York Post)

“For me, specifically, I like old-school coaches because they just take no (expletive), black and white, you know what you're gonna get every day. I think with a lot of young guys that we have, I think it's gonna be good for him to really get it in order.”

— Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants Linebacker (New York Post)

What’s next

Thibodeaux, who is cleared medically after a 2025 season cut short by injury, is eager to thrive in Harbaugh's structured coaching environment as the Giants look to turn things around.

The takeaway

Thibodeaux's endorsement of Harbaugh's 'old-school' coaching style suggests the Giants' players are receptive to the disciplined approach the new head coach is bringing, which could be crucial in helping the team overcome its recent inconsistency.