Giants, John Harbaugh Reportedly Face 'Issues' in Contract Negotiations

Two days ago, reports surfaced that former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was nearing a deal to become the next head coach of the New York Giants. In fact, it looked like he was even set to become nearly the highest-paid coach in the league. However, the deal seems to be facing some issues.

While the two sides may have been "close" to a deal two days ago, the deal has still not been finalized. Now, several high-profile reporters and insiders have reported that there are "issues" the two sides are still working out.

Harbaugh and Giants 'Close' to a Deal

On Wednesday night, reports began to surface that Harbaugh and the Giants were finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach.

"John Harbaugh and the Giants are working to finalize an agreement to make him New York’s next head coach and, barring a setback, a deal is expected, multiple sources tell ESPN," ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Friday in a post on X.

However, Schefter did point out that the deal was not complete just yet.

"The deal is not final and contract numbers still are being negotiated. 'There still is a lot to work through,' one source said," Schefter continued in his post. "But barring any setbacks, Harbaugh is ready to accept the Giants’ deal and the Giants are expected to hire him as soon as possible, per sources."

Negotiations Face 'Issues'

While it's too early to declare that there has been a "setback" that could derail the deal, multiple reporters and insiders have indicated that there are indeed "issues" that the two sides continue to work with.

“My understanding is the Giants and John Harbaugh’s side are working through organizational and operational issues. Still a gap to close before the deal is signed and sealed,” wrote Jordan Raanan, who covers the Giants for ESPN.com.

“Giants and John Harbaugh still are working through the details of their contract, and it is not yet done, per sources,” Schefter said in a post on X. “The final issues aren’t over money; it’s over language. ‘There’s no derailment and nothing has changed,’ one source said. Talks continue, and the two sides are working to get it across the finish line.”

Ian O'Connor of The Athletic also acknowledged the issues, but he did still express optimism, saying that he "can't see this unraveling."

“Sounds like John Harbaugh & the Giants might take this deep into the night tonight, more likely tomorrow. Things are still OK. Hang in there. Still a lot to review in contract. John & [G.M.] Joe Schoen have gotten along. Can’t see this unraveling. Both sides know way too much at stake,” O'Connor wrote in a post on X.

Obviously, it seems like the two sides are still committed to working out a deal, but it certainly is interesting that it has taken so long.