The New York Giants are making significant waves this offseason by assembling what appears to be a formidable coaching staff under new head coach John Harbaugh. In a strategic move that reinforces Harbaugh's commitment to bringing proven talent to East Rutherford, the Giants have officially added veteran offensive mind Greg Roman to their ranks, as confirmed by The Post on Thursday. This hiring represents yet another step in the franchise's ambitious rebuild under one of the league's most respected leaders.
When the Giants appointed Harbaugh as their head coach, the expectation throughout the organization and among the fanbase was crystal clear: he would leverage his extensive network and reputation to build a coaching staff rich in experience, innovation, and NFL pedigree. With the addition of Roman, Harbaugh is delivering on that promise in spectacular fashion, further strengthening an already impressive group of assistants that promises to reshape the team's identity.
Roman's Role with the Giants
While Roman interviewed for the offensive coordinator position that ultimately went to Matt Nagy, his journey to New York was far from over. The Giants' front office and coaching staff recognized the immense value of his expertise and created a specialized role that leverages his greatest strengths, particularly his mastery of the running game. Roman will work on the offensive side of the ball, likely serving as a senior offensive assistant with a primary focus on developing and implementing the ground attack and potentially working closely with the offensive line.
This collaboration between Roman and Nagy represents a fascinating blend of offensive philosophies and could become one of the most intriguing coaching partnerships in the league. Nagy, who brings his own extensive experience as both a head coach and coordinator with the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs, will lead the overall offensive strategy and call plays on game days. Meanwhile, Roman's specialized knowledge of run schemes, gap concepts, and mobile quarterback integration adds a powerful dimension to the Giants' attack that few other teams can match.
A History Steeped in Harbaugh Connections
What makes this hiring particularly intriguing is the deep and complex history Roman shares with both Harbaugh brothers. His professional relationship with the Harbaugh family spans over a decade and includes some of the most memorable moments in recent NFL history, from college dominance to Super Bowl showdowns.
Roman's most recent stint came with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he served as offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh. However, that tenure ended abruptly last month when Jim dismissed Roman following the Chargers' disappointing 16-3 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Wild Card round. The playoff defeat, which saw the Chargers' offense struggle to find any rhythm or consistency, prompted a coaching shakeup that left Roman seeking a new opportunity just weeks after the season's end.
Before his time in Los Angeles, Roman enjoyed a highly successful run as John Harbaugh's offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens from 2018 through 2022. During those five seasons, Roman built one of the league's most dynamic and unconventional offenses, centered around the unique talents of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens' attack consistently ranked among the NFL's best in rushing yards, attempts, and efficiency, with Roman's innovative schemes creating nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators.
The Harbaugh-Roman connection actually dates back much further, to the college ranks. In 2009 and 2010, Roman served as associate head coach at Stanford University when Jim Harbaugh was transforming the Cardinal into a national powerhouse. Those college years laid the foundation for what would become a highly productive professional partnership built on shared philosophies and mutual trust.
Success with Mobile Quarterbacks
Perhaps Roman's greatest strength—and what makes him so valuable to the Giants' long-term plans—is his proven track record of designing offenses around mobile, dual-threat quarterbacks. His most notable success came during his four-year tenure as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers under Jim Harbaugh from 2011 to 2014.
In San Francisco, Roman orchestrated an offense that maximized the unique talents of Colin Kaepernick, creating a scheme that blended power running with explosive downfield passing. The 49ers reached Super Bowl XLVII during the 2012 season, where they faced off against John Harbaugh's Ravens in one of the most memorable championship games in NFL history. Though San Francisco fell short in a thrilling 34-31 contest that featured a famous power outage delay, Roman's innovative approach had left an indelible mark on the league and established a template for how to build around athletic quarterbacks.
The following year, the 49ers returned to the NFC Championship game, further cementing Roman's reputation as one of the league's brightest offensive minds. His ability to adapt his system to his personnel, particularly quarterbacks who could beat defenses with both their arms and legs, became his calling card and made him a sought-after commodity in coaching circles.
The Bills Interlude and Beyond
After leaving the 49ers following the 2014 season, Roman landed in Buffalo as Rex Ryan's offensive coordinator in 2015. While his time with the Bills was shorter than his other stops, it added another layer to his extensive NFL resume and demonstrated his ability to work within different organizational structures. Each experience—whether successful or challenging—has contributed to Roman's comprehensive understanding of offensive football at the highest level and his ability to adjust to varying circumstances.
His resignation from the Ravens after the 2022 season came as a surprise to many observers, given the consistent success Baltimore had enjoyed during his tenure. However, the ever-evolving nature of NFL coaching careers meant that both parties were ready for new challenges. Roman's time in Baltimore had established him as the league's premier architect of running-game excellence, with the Ravens consistently dominating time of possession and rushing yards while protecting their star quarterback from excessive hits.
A New Chapter in New York
Now, Roman finds himself with yet another opportunity to reshape an offense, this time in the highly competitive NFC East. The Giants' decision to bring him aboard speaks volumes about their commitment to building a championship-caliber program from the ground up. With John Harbaugh at the helm, Matt Nagy calling plays, and Roman providing specialized expertise, New York has assembled an offensive brain trust that rivals any in the league.
The timing couldn't be better for a Giants offense that features Jaxson Dart entering his second NFL season. While Dart's development will be a team-wide effort involving quarterbacks coaches, the head coach, and the coordinator, Roman's experience with mobile quarterbacks could prove invaluable. Though Dart's playing style differs from Jackson or Kaepernick, the principles of protecting a young quarterback while building a complementary running game remain universal and timeless.
What This Means for the Giants
The addition of Greg Roman represents more than just another name on the coaching roster—it's a statement of intent from a franchise desperate to return to relevance. The Giants are serious about competing at the highest level, and they're willing to bring in elite-level coaches with proven track records to make that happen. Roman's presence ensures that the running game will receive the attention and expertise it deserves in an increasingly pass-happy league that often neglects the ground attack.
For John Harbaugh, reuniting with Roman brings a familiar face and a trusted voice into the building. Their shared history in Baltimore created a bond built on mutual respect and understanding. Harbaugh knows exactly what he's getting: a detail-oriented coach who will demand excellence from his players and fellow coaches alike, someone who isn't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
The Giants' offense in 2025 promises to be a fascinating blend of philosophies that could catch opponents off guard. Nagy's West Coast influences, Harbaugh's overall vision and attention to detail, and Roman's ground-game mastery could create a balanced, unpredictable attack that keeps defensive coordinators guessing and up at night. In a division featuring formidable opponents like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, that unpredictability could be the difference between mediocrity and genuine contention.
Conclusion
As the Giants continue to build their program under John Harbaugh, the hiring of Greg Roman stands out as a potential masterstroke. It's a move that combines experience, familiarity, and specialized expertise at a time when the franchise is hungry for success and tired of rebuilding cycles. Roman's journey—from Stanford to San Francisco, Baltimore to Los Angeles, and now to New York—has been defined by his relationships with the Harbaugh family and his uncanny ability to craft dominant running games wherever he goes.
While his departure from the Chargers may have been abrupt and his dismissal public, his arrival in New York feels like a perfect fit for both parties. The Giants have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart, a promising offensive coordinator in Matt Nagy, and now one of the league's foremost running game specialists in Greg Roman. If history is any indication, this combination could produce something special in the Meadowlands and give Giants fans real hope for the future.
The Harbaughs may not be able to quit Greg Roman, and for good reason. His track record speaks for itself, and his latest stop might just be his most important yet. For Giants fans who have endured years of inconsistent offense and disappointing seasons, the future looks increasingly bright—and increasingly run-heavy. The pieces are falling into place, and the foundation being laid could support a contender for years to come.