Longtime CEO Kevin Abrams is leaving New York amid the start of the John Harbaugh era

A franchise reset is underway for New York Giants under new head coach John Harbaughand one of the most respected figures of this organization has already become an early victim of the new era. Longtime executive Kevin Abrams, who spent 27 seasons with the franchise, was released on Wednesday.

Abrams joined the Giants in 1999 as a salary cap analyst after working with the NFL Board of Directors. He was hired by then-general manager Ernie Accorsi and promoted to assistant general manager in 2002, a position he held for 20 years. During that time, Abrams worked under multiple general managers, including Jerry Reese and Dave Gettleman, and was an influential figure in the front office during New York’s two Super Bowl championships.

In 2017, Abrams served as interim general manager following the firing of Reese during the season. When Joe Schoen was hired as general manager in 2022 and brought in Brandon Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as assistant GM, Abrams moved to a new position as senior vice president of football operations and strategy. In that role, he oversaw strategic planning related to football operations, data and innovation, managed the salary cap, negotiated player contracts, ensured compliance with the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement and worked closely with the college scouting and pro personnel departments.

Abrams is 54 years old and has spent his entire NFL career with Big Blue. His departure comes a day after Harbaugh was officially introduced as the Giants’ 21st coach. The decision was reportedly part of an organizational restructuring.

Harbaugh held meetings with contract assistants on Wednesday. Schoen informed those not on the new plans that they were free to look elsewhere without a face-to-face meeting, according to the New York Post. Those departures include most of the defensive staff and special teams coordinator Michael Gobrial. Defensive line coach Andre Patterson, inside linebackers coach John Egorugwu, assistant coach and passing game coordinator Marquand Manuel, and cornerbacks coach Jeff Burris were among those not retained.

Currently, Harbaugh is the only coach featured on the team’s official website. Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen, who served as interim defensive coordinator for the final five games of last season, is the only defensive assistant with a potential path to stay, thanks to his previous working relationship with Schoen.

All of this points to a change in the way power and authority is distributed within the Giants organization. Harbaugh is the first head coach in franchise history to report directly to co-owner John Murray rather than a general manager. Although Harbaugh has publicly downplayed the importance of increasing authorityboth organizational statements and personnel moves indicate that he will have the final say on football matters, making him the central decision-maker.