Hold onto your helmets, football fans, because the New York Giants are making moves that could reshape their future—and it’s not just about the head coach. Yes, John Harbaugh’s arrival is huge, but here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Giants are reportedly eyeing Todd Monken to step in as offensive coordinator, a hire that could be a game-changer for young quarterback Jaxson Dart. But here’s where it gets controversial—Monken’s track record is impressive, but his recent self-criticism about working with Lamar Jackson raises questions. Can he truly unlock Dart’s potential? Let’s dive in.
The Giants’ offseason has been nothing short of dramatic, starting with the high-profile signing of John Harbaugh to a five-year deal. Harbaugh, known for his special teams expertise and defensive background, relies heavily on his coordinators to steer the offense and defense. With Harbaugh’s focus on building a winning culture, the next critical move is hiring an offensive coordinator who can nurture Jaxson Dart’s development. Enter Todd Monken, a seasoned coach with a diverse quarterback résumé.
Monken, 59, has worked with a who’s who of quarterbacks, from Baker Mayfield to Stetson Bennett, and spent the past three years alongside Harbaugh in Baltimore. There, he navigated the highs and lows of coaching Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP whose physical brilliance was occasionally sidelined by medical issues. But here’s the part most people miss: Monken openly admitted he didn’t coach Jackson well enough, taking responsibility for their struggles. “I didn’t coach Lamar well enough,” he said on the Ryan Ripken Show. “I didn’t build the relationship I should have, and we didn’t win enough games.” Bold, right? This kind of self-awareness is rare in coaching circles, but it also leaves fans wondering: Can he avoid similar pitfalls with Dart?
Monken’s credentials are hard to ignore. In 2019, he helped Baker Mayfield throw for a career-high 3,827 yards with the Browns. At Georgia, he guided unheralded quarterback Stetson Bennett to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. “You’ve got to have a great quarterback,” Monken has said. “Lamar Jackson is a great quarterback. That gives you a chance every year. I want to be where they have a great quarterback.” With Dart showing promise under Brian Daboll, Monken’s experience could be exactly what the young QB needs in his second NFL season.
But it’s not a done deal. The Giants must first interview two minority or female candidates from outside the organization, in compliance with the Rooney Rule. Meanwhile, Monken interviewed for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position, adding another layer of intrigue. Still, reuniting with Harbaugh in New York seems like a logical—and appealing—move for both parties. Together, they achieved 13-4 and 12-5 records in Baltimore before a dip to 8-9 this season, largely due to Jackson’s injuries.
Here’s where it gets even more thought-provoking: Despite missing the playoffs in 2025, Monken remains a staunch believer in Harbaugh’s leadership. “Are you going to tell me John Harbaugh’s message isn’t clear after 18 years as a head coach?” Monken asked rhetorically. “He’s the best at motivating and directing a team. It’s an easy cop-out to blame the coach instead of saying, ‘I’ve got to coach better, I’ve got to play better.’” Strong words, but they highlight Monken’s respect for Harbaugh and his commitment to accountability.
So, what does this mean for the Giants? If Monken joins Harbaugh’s staff, it could signal a new era of offensive innovation and quarterback development. But the question remains: Can Monken learn from his past mistakes and help Dart reach his full potential? And is Harbaugh the right leader to bring this franchise back to glory? What do you think? Is this the dream team the Giants need, or are there too many question marks? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
