Three obvious candidates Jim Harbaugh could target as the Giants’ next defensive coordinator in New York
John Harbaugh has a deep list of candidates to consider as he searches for the New York Giants’ next defensive coordinator.
Now that the New York Giants have their head coach lined up with John Harbaugh, it’s time to pivot to hiring the rest of the coaching staff.
With an 18-year track record, Harbaugh has a long list of coaches he’s worked with to draw from for his position coaches and coordinators. One of the biggest strengths of hiring Harbaugh is his ability to tap into that network, as he’s always been successful at selecting assistant coaches.
It appears Todd Monken will be the Giants’ offensive coordinator, but who will Harbaugh hire as his defensive coordinator? There are three names that could make a lot of sense.
Former Baltimore Ravens DC Zach Orr
The most obvious name to know is his most recent defensive coordinator, Zach Orr. After Mike Macdonald left to take the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job, Orr took the reins as the Ravens’ DC.
Orr is also one of Harbaugh’s former players, sticking on the roster from 2014-2016 as an undrafted free agent linebacker. He’s an incredibly young coach at 33 and has been regarded as an up-and-comer in the coaching world.
In his first season as the Ravens DC, Baltimore’s defense was solid but lopsided. In 2024, they were 10th in yards allowed per game and ninth in points. Against the run, they were elite, finishing first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. However, they struggled to defend the pass, ranking 31st in pass yards allowed.
2025 was a brutal season all around for the Ravens in terms of injuries, so the lack of availability of key players clearly hindered Orr from taking a leap. They finished the season 24th in yards allowed and 18th in points.
Orr is so young that there is plenty of time for him to progress and rebound from a rough 2025. However, that may not be what is best for a young Giants defense trying to find its identity.
Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard
Jim Leonhard is another former player of Harbaugh’s, as he played safety in Baltimore in 2008. Leohnard has been regarded across the NFL and college football as a brilliant coach who has just needed a shot to be a full-time DC.
The former Wisconsin Badger started his coaching career at his alma mater, working his way up from defensive back coach to defensive coordinator. When Paul Chryst was fired in 2022, Leonhard took over as the interim head coach. When he was available heading into 2023, he was deemed a target for seemingly every major college defensive coordinator opening.
He has since worked his way up in Sean Payton’s staff with the Denver Broncos, leading the defensive backfield and serving as the assistant head coach. Considering the secondary is one of Denver’s strengths, his influence is noticeable.
Former Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver
Anthony Weaver is yet another former Baltimore Raven on the radar, but he didn’t play for Harbaugh. He served on Harbaugh’s staff from 2021 to 2023 as his defensive line coach and assistant head coach.
Weaver spent the last two years as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator before his time ended when Mike McDaniel was fired last week. In 2024, the Dolphins’ defense ranked fourth in yards allowed and 10th in points allowed. 2025 was not as successful, as they were 22nd in yards allowed and 24th in points allowed.
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