Giants' Chris Mara: 'Hope has turned into expectations' under Harbaugh

Followers of the New York Giants know that John Mara is the CEO and has the final say on football decisions for the legendary franchise. That could be changing.

John has had recent health issues, and although he's been present at many of the team's major events this year, his younger brother, Chris, has taken on a more visible leadership role. He was highly instrumental in the Giants landing John Harbaugh as head coach this past January.

Miami Chris Mara pic.twitter.com/8Ol3F9GdsE

Chris, whose official title is "Senior Player Personnel Executive and Board Director," is now around the team and representing them more in the media, much the way his brother and their father, Wellington, before them have been over the decades.

In a recent interview on ESPN New York radio, the younger Mara had many telling things to say about what the team's mindset is heading into the 2026 season.

They expect to win now. No more hoping. It's on. The Harbaugh hire has changed everything.

“The way I look at it we've used the word hope in the last 10 or 12 years. The hope now has turned into expectations. At least for me it has. I don't hope we win this year. I expect it. I think everybody else does, too."

Giants owner Chris Mara on @ESPNNewYorkpic.twitter.com/R0hCVWI9bz

It appears that Chris Mara is the voice Giants fans will be hearing the most going forward. During this interview, he sounded definitive and clear in his responses, as if he is closely involved in the decision-making process.

One example was when the host, Dave Rothenberg, asked Mara if the Giants were thinking of returning to West Virginia for training camp.

"We'll have to see what happens next year, where were at with it (construction)"

Chris Mara on the Giants returning to West Virginia pic.twitter.com/XvIalRWGF3

When Julia Koch and family bought a 10 percent stake in the Giants earlier this year, it was Chris Mara who delivered the Giants' statement on the sale.

The Giants have gone in the tank the last dozen years under the stewardship of John Mara and Steve Tisch, losing 10 or more games in 10 of the last 12 years. New leadership is needed and, if someone told you that leadership was going to come from Chris Mara, you might have scoffed.

No longer. He looks more and more like the boss with brother John and Tisch stepping back.

Pay attention. Chris Mara, who has an accomplished resume in and out of the world of football, looks like a new boss in East Rutherford.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Chris Mara: 'Hope has turned into expectations' under Harbaugh