

In the final week of the NFL regular season, all eyes are on a high-stakes showdown between the Ravens and Steelers in Pittsburgh. The matchup not only decides the AFC North champion — with the winner securing a playoff spot and the loser facing elimination — but it also holds potential ripples for the New York Giants' coaching quest, a team eager for a leadership overhaul. The Steelers, who fumbled a chance to seal the division with their recent 13-6 defeat in Cleveland, must now regroup for this winner-take-all battle. Their head coach, Mike Tomlin, respected for his consistency since taking charge in 2007, could find his future under scrutiny should his team falter once more. Rumors swirl around an unlikely-but-possible scenario where the Giants might explore trading for him, given the deep-rooted ties between the franchise owners, the Mara family and the Rooneys of Pittsburgh. However, any such move would require Tomlin's consent, creating a layered decision-making process. On the other side, Ravens' coach John Harbaugh also faces questions regarding his tenure, having led since 2008. Baltimore's potential loss might prompt ownership to ponder a coaching change. Should Harbaugh part ways with Baltimore, he'd swiftly become a prime candidate for the Giants, owing to his proven track record. The situation is tinged with strategic decisions: if Harbaugh exits the Ravens, he immediately captures ex-Giants' interest, despite his recent extended contract that runs through 2028. His exit would necessitate considering substantial buyout terms. Similarly, Tomlin, with two years left on his current deal, might either be released or approached for a trade, subject to his own aspirations. This riveting face-off between veteran coaches could mark their last mutual encounter at the helm of their respective teams, with broader implications looming over the Giants, who are poised for a substantial coaching transition.