John Harbaugh Praises Giants GM Joe Schoen's Performance

The new Giants head coach is optimistic about working with the team's general manager.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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John Harbaugh, the newly hired head coach of the New York Giants, has expressed high praise for the team's general manager, Joe Schoen. Harbaugh said he had 'high expectations' for Schoen and that he has 'lived up to those high expectations.' The two have been working closely together, communicating multiple times a day, as they look to build a successful roster for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

A strong working relationship between the head coach and general manager is crucial for an NFL team's success. Harbaugh's positive comments about Schoen suggest the two are aligned in their vision for the Giants, which could lead to productive roster-building decisions in free agency and the draft.

The details

The Giants hired both Schoen and former head coach Brian Daboll in 2022, but the team struggled last season, leading to Daboll's midseason firing. Despite the team's struggles, the Giants opted to retain Schoen as general manager and brought in Harbaugh as the new head coach. Harbaugh praised Schoen's decision-making and communication skills, saying they've been working closely together on various personnel matters.

  • The Giants hired Harbaugh as their new head coach in early 2026.

The players

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the New York Giants, known for his successful tenure with the Baltimore Ravens.

Joe Schoen

The general manager of the New York Giants, who has been with the team since 2022.

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What they’re saying

“I had high expectations for Joe, and I would say he's lived up to those high expectations. We've worked really well together. We talk multiple, multiple times every day … and a lot of things come up.”

— John Harbaugh, Head Coach (The Athletic)

What’s next

Harbaugh and Schoen will continue to work closely together as they look to build a competitive roster for the Giants in the upcoming free agency period and 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The strong working relationship between Harbaugh and Schoen suggests the Giants' leadership is aligned in their vision for the team, which could lead to productive roster-building decisions and a potential turnaround for the franchise in 2026.