The New York Giants have commenced their first training camp under head coach John Harbaugh at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The team is scheduled for 10 practices in 11 days, marking an intensive start to the season.
General Manager Joe Schoen expressed satisfaction with the facilities at The Greenbrier, noting that the location allows the team to focus solely on football without local distractions. Schoen highlighted the extensive behind-the-scenes work by various staff members, including Jim Phelan, Jeff Conroy, Timmy Slaman, Ronnie Barnes, Adam Bennett, Justin Warren, and Jerry Meade, to ensure a smooth transition for the team.
Willie Taggart, the Giants‘ running backs coach, is familiar with Harbaugh’s coaching style, having been brought into the NFL by Harbaugh. Taggart has strong ties to the Harbaugh family, including Jack, Jim, Jackie, and Joani. He described the Harbaugh coaching approach as a blend of forcefulness and sincerity, which he believes players appreciate.
Coaching Staff and Team Dynamics
Dennis Johnson, who served as the Ravens defensive line coach, also joined Harbaugh in East Rutherford. Johnson noted that being part of the Giants‘ construction from the ground level offers a different experience compared to his time with the Ravens, where the program was already established.
Chris Horton, who has been on Harbaugh’s staff for 12 years, including six years as the Ravens special teams coordinator, has been appointed assistant head coach for the Giants. Horton observed a heightened energy from Harbaugh during the initial team meetings, indicating Harbaugh’s excitement for his new role.
Schoen emphasized Harbaugh’s strong record, organizational skills, and attention to detail. He also praised the quality of the coaching staff Harbaugh has assembled. The General Manager stated that the team will continuously work to improve the roster, exploring opportunities through trades, waivers, or free agency to enhance competitiveness.
Player Updates and Roster Battles
Regarding wide receiver Malik Nabers, Schoen indicated that the medical staff has a plan in place for his integration into camp activities. While Nabers has been participating in individual drills, his readiness for Week 1 remains to be seen, with the team monitoring his reactions and progress.
Running back Cam Skattebo is cleared for full participation in training camp. Schoen mentioned a video involving Skattebo, noting the player’s hard work in rehabilitation and the effectiveness of the training and medical staff in preparing him for camp. Schoen also advised Skattebo to be mindful of his actions, especially close to camp.
Schoen highlighted several areas with competitive roster battles, including the corner position, receiver, and safety, expressing excitement about the competition these battles will bring. The team remains focused on building the 2026 New York Giants and is currently fifth in the claiming order, providing opportunities to add players during final roster cuts.
Harbaugh’s enthusiasm is a notable aspect of the new camp, a trait described as inherent to the Harbaugh family. His relationship with the Ravens owner reportedly grew stale, and missing the playoffs after a loss to the Steelers in the final game of the 2025 regular season led to his availability on the coaching market, where the Giants prioritized his recruitment.
The first practice at The Greenbrier is scheduled for Wednesday.
Source: nypost.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.