John Harbaugh next team odds: Giants emerge as heavy favorites, but is a Browns homecoming looming?

Andy McNamara

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John Harbaugh next team odds: Giants emerge as heavy favorites, but is a Browns homecoming looming? image

As a head coach of John Harbaugh's caliber enters the open job market for the first time in nearly two decades, oddsmakers have pinpointed a heavy favorite to land the Super Bowl winner.

While the New York Giants are the clear leader, a sentimental homecoming in Cleveland is the "wildcard" bet shaking up the latest boards.

More: The ultimate betrayal? Why a Harbaugh-Stefanski coach swap between Ravens and Browns just might happen

There are currently seven head coaching vacancies across the NFL. DraftKings Sportsbook lists the odds of the five most likely destinations for Harbaugh:

Giants: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)
Raiders: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Falcons: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Titans: +800 (bet $10 to win $90 total)
Browns: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)

Despite Harbaugh being an Ohio native, there are a couple of main reasons why the Browns have the longest odds to hire him.

1. Division Rival:

After 18-years in Baltimore would Harbaugh feel some sort of loyalty to the Ravens by not wanting to join a division rival? Or would he want to jump sidelines and be able to battle his former team twice a year?

An interesting tie-in is that Ravens president Sashi Brown was reportedly the one that fired Harbaugh after he refused to change his coordinators. Brown worked as an executive for Cleveland in an unsuccessful run from 2013-2017.

2. 'The Berry Barrier'

GM Andrew Berry is leading the Browns coaching search. The "collaborative" measures taken on roster decisions for this team over the past six years would have to change to entice Harbaugh to join.

A combination of the now departed chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta, Berry, the analytics department, possibly ownership, and Kevin Stefanski all apparently had a say in player personnel.

However, it often appeared that the head coach had the least pull of anyone. Especially at quarterback. Perplexing trades and draft picks that seemed counter productive to on-field success sprung up throughout the Berry/Kevin Stefanski partnership.

Where Harbaugh ultimately lands will be a fascinating journey to follow no matter how it turns out.

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Senior Editor