The New York Giants’ quest to secure a new head coach has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, as the Miami Dolphins’ sudden firing of Mike McDaniel on January 8, 2026, has thrown the entire NFL coaching carousel into overdrive. For weeks, Giants fans and insiders alike had zeroed in on former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as the ideal candidate to rejuvenate a franchise that’s cycled through four head coaches in less than a decade. Yet, just as optimism was peaking in New York, Miami’s bold move has sparked fierce competition for the veteran coach’s signature.
It’s no secret the Giants are “all-in” on Harbaugh, a 62-year-old Super Bowl champion with an impressive 180 career regular-season wins and a 13-11 playoff record. According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Giants’ pursuit has been aggressive, with the franchise viewing Harbaugh as the stabilizing force needed to guide their young roster, particularly promising quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini has even reported that Harbaugh himself sees New York as a premier landing spot, largely due to Dart’s potential and the franchise’s storied history.
But the Dolphins’ decision to part ways with McDaniel wasn’t just about a change on the sidelines—it was a calculated move to reset their entire football operation, positioning Miami as the primary threat to the Giants’ plans. The timing of the firing, coming after many teams had already begun their interview processes, suggests Miami is eager to make a splash. NFL insiders believe the Dolphins’ front office is now laser-focused on bringing in Harbaugh, and they’re not wasting any time.
Central to Miami’s strategy is their accelerated search for a new general manager. Chad Alexander, currently the Chargers’ Assistant GM and a former Ravens executive, has emerged as a finalist for the Dolphins’ top front office job. Alexander’s connections run deep—he spent two decades with the Ravens and worked closely alongside both John and Jim Harbaugh. This relationship could prove pivotal. As NFL Network insider Daniel Jeremiah speculated on X, “Chargers Asst GM Chad Alexander has worked with John & Jim Harbaugh. It would be very tempting to pair Chad/John up to run an organization. Proof of concept already in place.”
The Dolphins’ plan is clear: secure a new general manager—potentially Alexander—by January 9 or 10, then make their pitch to Harbaugh. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Miami intends to have a new GM in place within days, with Alexander, Jon-Eric Sullivan (Packers), Josh Williams (49ers), and Champ Kelly (interim GM) as the four finalists. Should Alexander be named GM, the Dolphins would instantly become the frontrunners in the so-called “Harbaugh Sweepstakes.”
This has not gone unnoticed in New York. Giants insider Joe DeLeone has warned that the timing and layers of Miami’s search should make Giants fans nervous. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post echoed these concerns, stating, “If [the] Fins hire Chad Alexander as GM, they become the clear John Harbaugh favorites.” The fear is palpable, especially as ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that, while the Ravens haven’t been in contact with Harbaugh, there may be back-channel communications in play—particularly with Alexander’s candidacy in Miami.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only are the Giants and Dolphins in hot pursuit of Harbaugh, but there are currently eight head coaching vacancies across the NFL, with more possibly on the way as playoff teams evaluate their futures. The Buffalo Bills, for example, could enter the fray if they decide to move on from Sean McDermott following another playoff disappointment. SNY’s Connor Hughes weighed in, suggesting that while the Bills’ interest is plausible, speculation about other teams like the Eagles is less grounded. Still, the possibility of additional suitors only adds urgency to the Giants’ efforts.
For the Giants, the pitch to Harbaugh is compelling. They offer a young, moldable quarterback in Jaxson Dart and other promising pieces, providing a foundation for sustained success. The franchise’s rich history and the allure of New York are significant draws, especially for a coach looking to cement his legacy. As DeLeone noted, “The Giants have a young, moldable quarterback in Jaxson Dart, along with other promising pieces.” The hope is that Harbaugh will see the potential for long-term competitiveness and choose New York over Miami’s more chaotic situation.
Miami, on the other hand, presents a roster with flashes of elite offensive production but an uncertain quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa’s contract and future remain unresolved, and the path to immediate contention is murky. At 63 years old, Harbaugh may prefer a scenario where he can build a winner without the complications of a quarterback controversy or a lengthy rebuild. Yet, the prospect of working alongside Alexander and shaping the Dolphins’ future from the ground up could be a powerful temptation.
Despite the swirling rumors and high-stakes maneuvering, one thing is clear: Harbaugh is not expected to interview for any head coach positions until after the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. This delay gives both the Giants and Dolphins a narrow window to position themselves as the most attractive option. It also leaves the door open for other teams, like the Bills, to make a late push should their own coaching situations change.
As the coaching carousel spins ever faster, the Giants’ front office—navigating a complex dynamic between GM Joe Schoen and the Mara family—must act decisively. With Miami accelerating its GM search and the specter of Chad Alexander looming large, New York’s margin for error is razor-thin. According to The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor, Harbaugh could meet with the Giants as early as this weekend, but any hesitation could prove costly.
For now, Giants fans remain in suspense, watching anxiously as Miami and New York jockey for position. Will Harbaugh be swayed by the stability and promise of the Giants, or will the Dolphins’ bold front office overhaul and Alexander connection prove irresistible? With the coaching landscape shifting by the hour and the Harbaugh Sweepstakes heating up, all eyes are on the next move from both franchises.
As the NFL’s hiring season enters its most critical phase, the race for John Harbaugh’s services stands as the defining drama of this year’s coaching carousel. With the Dolphins expected to announce their new GM imminently and Harbaugh’s interviews set for after the Wild Card Round, the coming days promise more twists and turns. For now, the Giants and Dolphins remain locked in a high-stakes battle, each hoping to land the coach who could change their fortunes for years to come.