It is official.

The John Harbaugh Era with the Giants is underway — a declaration that the Giants and their success-starved fans are enthralled to celebrate

The news that this pairing was going to happen broke late Wednesday night. Then the wait until the contract was signed and it became 100 percent, iron-clad guaranteed that the Giants landed Harbaugh as the 21st head coach in franchise history lasted until midday Saturday. Sometimes, good things are worth the wait.

“To serve as this franchise’s head coach is a tremendous honor. I come from a football family, and I have deep respect for the history and tradition of this organization,” said Harbaugh, via the Giants website.

The Giants vowed when getting into this high-stakes competition for Harbaugh that they would do whatever it took to get him, including meeting the significant financial commitment it would take to make it happen. They did that, giving Harbaugh a five-year deal expected to be “in the ballpark’’ of $100 million, according to a source.

“I think the Giants roster is strong, and it’s our job to make it stronger,” Harbaugh told The Athletic. “We are going to compete for the playoffs and for championships. I expect and want to make the playoffs next year.”

Harbaugh was such an extraordinary candidate — 18 years with the Ravens, one Super Bowl victory and a winning percentage of .614 — that the Giants knew to get him, they would need to give him more control than any head coach they employed in decades. They did.

In a departure from Giants tradition, Harbaugh will report directly to co-owner John Mara. In the past, the general manager was the conduit for the head coach to speak with ownership. Given that Mara is in the building every day, and is in contact with the general manager and head coach on a daily basis, this is not as critical as it is in other organizations.

As usual, general manager Joe Schoen continues to report to ownership. The presence of Schoen in this coaching search and Harbaugh pursuit turned out to be a great benefit to the Giants.

“Throughout our conversations, John stood out for his clarity, competitiveness and approach for building a sustainable winning program,” Schoen said. “He has a strong track record of developing players, building cohesive staffs and setting a clear standard of accountability.”

John Harbaugh is the next coach of the Giants. Anthony J. Causi

As far as the roster, this is now a Harbaugh-Schoen partnership, as opposed to the past when the Giants general manager had final say on the roster. Mara expects this to be an alliance. If need be, Mara breaks any ties. There is not expected to be any friction, as Schoen believes in collaboration, and he realizes Harbaugh should be quite an asset.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid in April 2024 signed a five-year extension worth $100 million. That annual average of $20 million was tops in NFL history. Sean Payton ($18 million a year) was next in line. Harbaugh was set to make $17 million in 2026 from the Ravens.

That this lingered through day and night Friday and into the weekend caused a certain level of consternation from a fan base that, for lack of a better phrase, has not been accustomed to nice things for quite a while.

“Through numerous conversations, John consistently stood out for his conviction and vision for leading a winning organization, and we welcome him and his family to the Giants,” Mara said.

The Giants are now under the football purview of one of the league’s most highly regarded head coaches. Harbaugh, 63, won a Super Bowl after the 2012 season with the Ravens and now will try to become the first coach in NFL history to win one with a second team. The Giants, coming off 3-14 and 4-13 seasons, are not realistically in the Super Bowl conversation for the 2026 season but the addition of Harbaugh greatly improves their chances to become a winner.

This will become a bigger operation. Harbaugh’s program in Baltimore was immense in terms of analytics and other departments that aid in the success and well-being of the team. This is all about maximizing and enhancing the talent in the building.

Now comes the time for Harbaugh to dig into the job.

Giants co-owner Chris Mara helped recruit John Harbaugh. Evan Pinkus

He has a staff to assemble. That means speaking with the coaches from Brian Daboll’s staff who remain under contract. Perhaps Harbaugh decides to retain a few of them. Carmen Bricillo and James Ferentz are well-regarded for their work with the much-improved offensive line. Charlie Bullen after he was promoted from outside linebackers coach to interim defensive coordinator directed an uptick in the production.

Harbaugh needs three coordinators. Todd Monken ran the offense in Baltimore the past three seasons, and he should be considered a top candidate to accompany Harbaugh to the Giants. To run the defense, Anthony Weaver (Dolphins), Jim Leonhard (Broncos) and Dennard Wilson (Titans) are solid options. Weaver worked for Harbaugh with the Ravens from 2021-23, so there is a connection there. Harbaugh could also go with Zach Orr, who played linebacker for Harbaugh and was his defensive coordinator in Baltimore the past two seasons.

John Harbaugh smiles beside Joe Schoen at Elia Mediterranean Restaurant. Elia Mediterranean Restaurant/Instagram

With eight head coach vacancies remaining around the league, it is an advantage for the Giants they got this hire done first. Once teams begin filling their jobs, the movement with coordinators and position coaches will be fast and furious. Harbaugh spent 18 years as the head coach in Baltimore and he has an expansive network. One of the many aspects to the Giants’ attraction to Harbaugh is the belief he will be able to put together an outstanding coaching staff.

It is a whole new world for the Giants, with Harbaugh as their football leader.