The winds of change are blowing strong in New York! John Harbaugh is taking the reins as the Giants' head coach, and it looks like he's planning a major shakeup of the coaching staff. But before we dive into the new faces, let's talk about who's sticking around. Reports indicate that only two assistant coaches from the previous regime are expected to survive the overhaul.
According to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and tight ends coach Tim Kelly are likely to be retained by Harbaugh. This news comes after whispers circulated earlier in the week about several coaches receiving less-than-welcome news – that their contracts wouldn't be renewed. While the Giants organization hasn't released any official statements yet, the writing seems to be on the wall for many.
So, who are these two coaches who managed to impress the new boss?
Charlie Bullen is a relative newcomer to the Giants, having joined the team's coaching staff in 2024. His role expanded significantly towards the end of the 2025 season when he stepped in as the interim defensive coordinator following the dismissal of Shane Bowen. Stepping into that role mid-season is never easy, so the fact that Harbaugh wants to keep him says a lot about his potential. But here's where it gets controversial... some fans believe the defense actually regressed under Bullen's leadership. Is his retention a sign of untapped potential, or a questionable decision?
Tim Kelly also joined the Giants in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience as an offensive coordinator. Before landing in New York, Kelly held the offensive coordinator position for both the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans. Having that kind of experience on the offensive side of the ball could be invaluable as Harbaugh looks to revitalize the Giants' offense. And this is the part most people miss... Kelly's success as an OC was mixed, to say the least. Some seasons were strong, others… not so much. Will he be able to translate his experience into tangible improvements for the Giants' tight ends?
It's important to remember that these are just reports and expectations at this stage. The Giants haven't made any official announcements, so things could always change. But one thing is clear: John Harbaugh is putting his stamp on this team, and he's not afraid to make some tough decisions.
What do you think about Harbaugh's reported decision to retain Bullen and Kelly? Do you believe they deserve another chance, or should Harbaugh have cleaned house completely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
