John Harbaugh made his debut in Giants blue, Tuesday before a crowd of dignitaries, media and players both, former and current, as he lay out the groundwork to "attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
It's a Harbaughism that has become a signature of the Harbaugh family for years, started by John and Jim's father Jack many years ago when the brothers were children, and their dad a football coach. If you have followed the NFL for many years, you probably are familiar with the story, and the many euphemisms that Jack Harbaugh lives by to this day; as do his sons.
John Harbaugh brought out those Harbaughism out in full force during an energetic introductory press conference. It's clear that a new era of Giants football is finally here.
"Mom and dad taught us to attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. That's what we are going to do every single day," Harbaugh said.
"One of the most iconic franchises in all of sports. I wanted this job," Harbaugh said. "I know the challenges, the expectations, the fans are hungry for a winner. We are hear to earn the right to become champions in New York."
Our focus is building a team that is physical and tough, that understands how to finish. That plays the game the way it should be played. We will work together; there will be a relentless commitment to do the right thing every day. It will always be about the team, the team, the team. Thanks dad for that!"
Harbaugh inherits a team loaded with talent from quarterback Jaxson Dart and wide receiver Malik Nabers, and a defense ready to burst onto the scene.
The next step for Harbaugh is to build his staff. It is widely expected that his offensive coordinator via the Ravens, Todd Monken will follow him to New York. Ravens Assistant coach Megan Rosburg is also expected to follow Harbaugh to the Giants.
Defensively, Harbaugh will have a slew of D-coordinators to choose from from Anthony Weaver, Rex Ryan or Chuck Pagano. Anyone of them could end up coming to New York to run the defense.
Should Harbaugh bring Rex Ryan with him, it will certainly add a layer since Rex was the Jets head coach from 2009-2014. Ryan petitioned for the Jets job last winter before Gang Green opted to go with Aaron Glenn. When he was coaching the Jets, Ryan always had some choice words for the Giants, which came to a head when he and Giants running back Brandon Jacobs got into it after Big Blue's 29-14 victory at the tail end of the 2011 season. Some say that game jump-started the Giants Super Bowl run.
Ryan worked with Harbaugh his first year as a Head Coach in 2008 with the Ravens, it will be fascinating if he brings the ex-Jet aboard.
Once the staff is complete the focus turns to improving the roster as the new league year begins in March.
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