Last month, questions about Joe Schoen‘s future were put to rest. The Giants finalized a multiyear extension agreement with their much-maligned general manager.
Schoen remained in place through former head coach Brian Daboll‘s dismissal and played a key role in the search for his replacement. That process resulted in an aggressive – and successful – push to land John Harbaugh. The relationship between Schoen and the Super Bowl-winning head coach has been a talking point, given the formal arrangement which sees Harbaugh report directly to ownership. When speaking about the Schoen news, Harbaugh struck a positive tone.
“I respect ownership. That’s their call,” Harbaugh said during a recent press conference (video link via SNY). “I was happy – he’s a good guy, I enjoy working with him. It’s a good decision, I agree with it.”
Schoen has been in place since 2022. The Giants made a surprise run to the divisional round of the playoffs during his and Daboll’s first year at the helm, but success has not been attainable since then. Across the past three seasons, New York has totaled a record of 13-38. Ownership saw that primarily as a coaching issue, though, leading to the continued confidence in Schoen. He will lead a revamped front office through 2026 and beyond.
Harbaugh’s voice will no doubt carry significant weight for the Giants considering the efforts made to hire him and the level of authority he was granted relative to other coaching candidates. New hire Dawn Aponte is also believed to be a key figure on the decision-making front, something which could limit Schoen’s power moving forward. As the Giants look to take needed steps forward over the coming season, the workings of their new organizational setup will make for an interesting storyline.
The level of success with with respect to Harbaugh and Schoen collaborating will of course also be something to watch closely. Barring a dismissal shortly after a new deal being signed in either case, the two will have a long period working together.
Schoen is now kind of an administrator with no power on personnel decisions who takes away some of the more boring tasks from Harbaugh.
Seriously, I think everyone in New York is so thrilled to see the Knicks win another NBA title that they could care less what the Giants or Jets are doing right now. Congratulations Knicks…let the victory parade begin!
…That process resulted in an aggressive – and successful – push to land John Harbaugh. …’ $20m a year helps getting him signed.