Nabers Credits Harbaugh After Return, Appears to Criticize Former Coach
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers posted a photo with head coach John Harbaugh after Sunday's win, captioning it 'Never had this befo!! Dass love coach.' The comment seemed to contrast with his experience under former coach Brian Daboll, who was fired during the 2025 season. Nabers, playing his first game since September, recorded six catches for 69 yards in the 28-20 victory over Dallas.
Nabers’ Instagram post came after his first action in nearly a year, a 28-20 win over Dallas in which he hauled in six passes for 69 yards. The Giants’ offense clicked under new quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw three touchdowns, while the defense limited Dallas to 3.8 yards per carry and intercepted Dak Prescott. New York had finished 4-13 in 2025, a season that saw Daboll fired mid-campaign and Nabers limited to four games due to injury.
The wide receiver’s praise for Harbaugh stands out given his limited exposure to the new coach, who took over after the Giants’ dismal 2025 season. Nabers was drafted sixth overall in 2024 under Daboll, but his rookie year and brief 2025 stint were marred by injuries and team struggles. Sunday’s performance suggests a fresh start for both player and franchise under Harbaugh’s leadership.
This story could resonate beyond Giants fans, as it highlights how coaching relationships shape player morale and performance. Nabers’ public contrast between his former and current coaches may influence public perception of Daboll’s tenure and Harbaugh’s early impact. It could also affect locker-room dynamics league-wide, as players see public praise as a tool for building trust. Fans and analysts may use such moments to gauge organizational culture, though individual reactions are not definitive proof of systemic change.