A Baltimore connection is set to light up East Rutherford as John Harbaugh is on the brink of becoming the Giants’ new head coach. This move is likely to bring a familiar face back into Harbaugh’s professional circle. Todd Monken, who previously served as the offensive coordinator under Harbaugh with the Ravens, is expected to join him at the Giants, according to reports from NFL Network.

Monken, who is 59 years old, stands as the leading candidate to reprise his role as offensive coordinator with the Giants, a position he has held with the Ravens for the past three years. His expertise and established rapport with Harbaugh make him a natural choice for the role.

Despite Monken renewing his contract with Baltimore last February, it’s common practice in the NFL for teams to allow assistants to explore other opportunities when there’s a shift in head coaching positions. This tradition opens the door for Monken to reunite with Harbaugh in New York.

Moreover, the Ravens’ future head coach may seek to bring in their own staff, potentially opting for a fresh start without Monken. This uncertainty adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding coaching changes in Baltimore and the Giants’ anticipated new leadership dynamic.

There’s always the possibility that whomever the Ravens hire as their next head coach would prefer his own option versus inheriting Monken.

Hiring the right offensive coordinator will be crucial for Harbaugh since quarterback Jaxson Dart’s development will be key to the team’s attempt to return to contention.

Dart had a strong rookie season, tallying 24 total touchdowns (15 passing) and throwing for 2,272 yards in 14 games (12 starts).

While Dart is not Baltimore’s two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, Monken created a top offense in Baltimore centered around a quarterback who uses his legs as weapons.

The Ravens ranked sixth, first and 16th in yards per game over the last three seasons, respectively, while registering fourth, third and 11th in points per game in that time.

The 2024 Ravens became the first team in NFL history to tally at least 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards, setting the franchise record with 7,224 total yards and 6.85 yards per play, and also made history with 40-plus passing touchdowns and 20-plus rushing scores, per the team’s website.

This year’s dip tied into Jackson missing four games and not playing like his usual self due to the injuries.

Monken blamed himself, though, for the offense’s shortcomings.

“I didn’t coach Lamar well enough,” Monken said on the “Ryan Ripken Show” last week. “I didn’t have as good of a relationship as I could have. I didn’t do the things we needed to do this year to win enough games to give ourselves a chance. I believe that.”

The Athletic reported that Harbaugh’s refusal to move on from Monken created a “pressure point” in Baltimore’s decision to ultimately part ways with him after 18 years.

Now, it seems both will have a chance to prove the Ravens wrong with the Giants.