If you’re hoping for the Giants to get John Harbaugh to East Rutherford immediately and not let him leave without signing to be their next head coach, you’re going to be disappointed.
General manager Joe Schoen stated his intention to “cast a wide net” in the team’s search for a new head coach, and the Giants have already lined up interviews with a few candidates, some of whom are unemployed and others who are under contract elsewhere.
They are interested in speaking with Harbaugh, as The Post’s Paul Schwartz reported Tuesday, and while he’d seem like the favorite, a lot has to happen before the Giants can hire a new head coach.
Per NFL rules, all initial interviews with candidates who are employed by teams that either missed the playoffs or received a first-round bye must be conducted virtually until after the divisional round. That does not apply to unemployed coaches, which is why the Giants were able to bring in Kevin Stefanski — fired by the Browns on Monday — for a Tuesday dinner and an in-person interview Wednesday.
Harbaugh and Mike McCarthy, who took a year off after getting fired by the Cowboys, and with whom the Giants have scheduled an interview, can meet in person immediately.
It was reported Wednesday the Giants will also interview former Falcons coach Raheem Morris, who was fired Sunday after a two-season run in Atlanta.
Candidates eligible for virtual interviews can begin those three days after the conclusion of their team’s last regular-season game.
So the Giants, who are set to interview Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, can begin those interviews as early as Wednesday.
For coaches whose teams play in the wild-card round, they can’t begin interviewing until three days after their wild-card game.
Those on teams who reach the AFC or NFC Championship game can begin interviewing after that round if their team loses.
In-person interviews can begin after the divisional round for coaches whose teams are eliminated.
Coaches who reach the Super Bowl can schedule interviews during the bye week between the final two playoff rounds, but have to cut off contact once Super Bowl week begins.
Teams looking for a head coach also must satisfy the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates in person.
