How new Giants coach John Harbaugh can turn Jaxson Dart into his new Lamar Jackson

The New York Giants have been searching for that coach who can get them to the Super Bowl since Tom Coughlin retired in 2015. Eleven years later, John Harbaugh finally gives them that kind of promise.

Harbaugh is becoming the 24th head coach in the long, proud 102-year history of the Giants' franchise. On top of his own Super Bowl-winning status and 193 career victories in 18 years, including playoffs, Harbaugh brings one more important credential: the former coach of two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

That's great news for Jaxson Dart, who didn't waste time flashing dynamic dual-threat production as the Giants' rookie first-round QB under his two offensive-minded coaches in 2025, Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka. Harbaugh is the right leader to raise Dart's second-year play in what has been seen in the Bears' Caleb Williams and Patriots' Drake Maye through the 2026 NFL divisional playoffs.

Here's why Giants fans should be giddy about their team landing Harbaugh to help Dart:

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John Harbaugh will tailor the Giants' offense well to Jaxson Dart's skill set

There were two offensive coordinators available when Harbaugh was hired who had coached Jackson to his MVPs: Greg Roman — fired by Jim Harbaugh's Chargers — and Todd Monken — who still worked for John Harbaugh's Ravens. John Harbaugh made the right choice by likely bringing Monken on board with him from Baltimore.

Roman was good for the early-career Jackson because of his sensibilities of run-heavy quarterbacks. But as Jackson evolved as an aggressive downfield passer to play better off the running game than be responsible for much of it, he evolved to have elite efficiency when healthy.

Dart, as a typical rookie, averaged only 6.7 yards per attempt. But he also tossed 15 TD passes in only 12 starts, to only 5 interceptions, for a solid rookie rating of 91.7. Dart already is showing good accuracy with short-to-intermediate throws.

Everything points to Dart being Monken's latest prize pupil. Expect the Giants to upgrade their offensive line and get more power rushing out of a healthy Cam Skattebo. They also make sure they have two good wide receivers, hoping Malik Nabers returns healthy as a No. 1 and trying to re-sign surprising Wan'Dale Robinson. Dart already has a strong connection with both tight ends, Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger, setting up Monken again to be effective using the 12 personnel 

There is a natural progression on the table for Dart. Where Harbaugh and Monken can also help is by making sure Dart doesn't run with reckless abandon and learns how to take fewer hits so he can stay on the field.

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John Harbaugh will boost Jaxson Dart's leadership qualities

Daboll was a bit of a fickle leader for the Giants when it came to quarterback, between Daniel Jones, Russell Wilson and Dart. He developed a quick affinity for Dart, but it was more because he wasn't Wilson.

Harbaugh can just focus on Dart and building a strong relationship with him. Dart is mature for 2022 and Harbaugh can help take pressure off him as the face of the franchise. After his many good years with Joe Flacco, Harbaugh worked hard to make sure a young Jackson had full command and respect from veteran players.

Harbaugh will make the transition smooth for Dart and there's no Dart will have some natural motivation from the excitement of being attached to such a successful coach so early in his career.

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John Harbaugh will give Jaxson Dart all the support he needs to win

Harbaugh is the most notable former special teams coordinator to win big as an NFL head coach. His background in the third phase has been key in knowing that winning is all about complementary football.

Harbaugh will make sure the Giants' defense, with some talented young pieces in the pass rush, will develop into a steadier force. He also will make sure the offense has a balanced yet explosive mindset to match, to facilitate the Giants' teeing off on other QBs on the other side of the ball.

Dart couldn't rely much on either defense or special teams to make his job easier. He was put in precarious trailing situations where he had to drop back often and sling it, or take off running to avoid sacks or spark something to happen.

The Giants were often having terms dictated to them by the opponents. Now with Dart working for Harbaugh, they can be more on the attack. Dart has special qualities as a big-armed passer and fast runner, but to have a true successor, he needs to be a big winner. There's every feeling that should happen with Harbaugh.