Cam Skattebo emphatically shuts down questions about his relationship with Giants head coach John Harbaugh
The running back said he likes Harbaugh’s approach, and it’s an example of why the Giants hired the veteran coach
The New York Giants’ sideline video that circulated on social media raised some eyebrows, but running back Cam Skattebo wants fans to know there is nothing to worry about in regards to his relationship with head coach John Harbaugh.
The former fourth-round pick appeared on the “Up and Adams Show” with Kay Adams and made clear that his relationship with Harbaugh is in a great place heading into the 2026 season.
A serious conversation, not a heated one
The video in question showed Harbaugh in a way that made him look not necessarily pleased with Skattebo’s approach on the sidelines. Social media ran with it, speculating about potential friction between the young running back and his new head coach.
Skattebo clarified that the conversation was a serious one about the game at that moment. Both were locked into what was happening on the field.
“He’s brought this culture where we’re going to practice, we’re going to practice for every minute that we’re allowed to, and we’re going to do it in pads as much as we possibly can because that’s how football’s played,” Skattebo said. “I really enjoy that. Me and Harbs, we’re on the same page. We love each other. We’re awesome. Me and him talk every single day. There’s no bad blood between us.”
Harbaugh’s culture is exactly what the Giants needed
What Skattebo said next speaks to the core reason New York hired Harbaugh in the first place.
“He’s just tough, man,” the running back added. “He’s keeping the way you need to coach football in football. A lot of the guys, they get all this money and they get older and they don’t want to go out and practice hard and be in full pads every day.”
Harbaugh was brought in to establish a culture of toughness and development for a roster built around a young core. With players like Skattebo and quarterback Jaxson Dart, New York needed a coach willing to push the group through demanding practices and hold everyone to a physical standard.
Skattebo’s role is set to expand
Skattebo played only eight games as a rookie after suffering a dislocated ankle. Despite the limited action, he finished with 410 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Those numbers showed enough promise for the Giants to build around him as a significant part of the offense.
Now fully healthy, the expectation is that Skattebo will carry a bigger workload in his second season. His expanded role should help Dart and the rest of this young Giants offense develop together. Harbaugh is a major part of that equation, serving as the connective piece between talent and growth.
