Winning is everything in the NFL, and coaches are under intense pressure to succeed. John Harbaugh’s move from the Baltimore Ravens to the New York Giants has been widely discussed.
On February 13, 2026, the 63-year-old coach appeared on Fox & Friends, marking his first major interview since his firing from the Ravens. Hosted by Brian Kilmeade, Harbaugh opened up about the dismissal, President Donald Trump’s backing, his Christian faith, and his strong sense of patriotism.
New Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh speaks with members of the media during a press conference welcoming Harbaugh at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2025.
New Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh speaks with members of the media during a press conference welcoming Harbaugh at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2025.
Harbaugh was let go by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on January 6, 2026, after 18 seasons that included a 180-113 record, 12 playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl victory in 2012.
The Ravens missed the playoffs that year, ending on a dramatic missed field goal. Reflecting on the end, Harbaugh called it “tough” and said it “hits you hard,” but he expressed no bitterness, focusing instead on gratitude for his time in Baltimore.
Just 11 days later, on January 17, the Giants hired him on a five-year, over $100 million deal, making him their 21st head coach. This followed the mid-season firing of Brian Daboll in November 2025 after a 2-8 start and a 4-13 finish.
Harbaugh was interviewed in person at the Giants’ facility and introduced at a press conference, where he praised the team’s potential, including rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Donald Trump’s endorsement and personal support of John Harbaugh
President Trump played a key role, publicly endorsing Harbaugh on social media before the hire, calling him “a great guy” and urging the Giants to act. Harbaugh said the support “feels really great,” noting Trump’s post came days before his official appointment.
He has assembled a veteran staff, including potential additions like Greg Roman, aiming to “raise the bar” for the Giants, who seek to end a 14-year NFC East title drought.
Faith is very important to Harbaugh and helps him through tough times. He grew up in a family that loves football; his brother Jim is also a coach. He believes that his Christian faith gives him strength.
In an interview, he talked about his love for America, saying, “This is the greatest country and this is the greatest experiment in governing…that’s ever been attempted in the history of the world.” He continued, “It was founded on some ideas that they weren’t ready to achieve. We still haven’t gotten there yet but that’s okay, we’re fighting our way to accomplish all the things that this country was founded on. You know, we should try to do it together… And on the sidelines when the national anthem plays, yeah I’m gonna be proud.”
FRIDAY ON FOX & FRIENDS: NY Giants Head Coach John Harbaugh breaks his silence on being fired, President Trump’s public support, his faith, and his love of country. @kilmeade
“This is the greatest country and this is the greatest experiment in governing…that’s ever been… pic.twitter.com/raHeZjyd1Y
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) February 13, 2026
As the NFL offseason progresses, Harbaugh’s comments show how personal values can inspire professional comebacks. For Giants fans, including those in India who closely follow American football, his mix of experience and optimism offers hope for a turnaround in 2026.