In 1961, Svare transitioned to the New York Giants, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive prowess. His time with the Giants was marked by his participation in the 1961 NFL Championship Game, although the team fell short against the Green Bay Packers. Despite the loss, Svare's performance remained consistent, and he was respected by teammates and opponents alike for his football intelligence and leadership on the field.
Svare's career took a new direction when he moved into coaching. In 1962, he became the youngest head coach in the NFL at the age of 31, taking the helm of the New York Giants. His coaching career with the Giants, however, was challenging, as the team struggled to replicate its previous successes. Svare's tenure as head coach ended in 1965, but his coaching journey was far from over.
In 1967, Svare joined the Washington Redskins as a defensive coach, working under head coach Otto Graham. His expertise in defense was evident, and he contributed to the development of the team's defensive strategies. The following year, Svare moved to the San Diego Chargers, where he served as a defensive coordinator. His work with the Chargers' defense was instrumental in improving the team's overall performance.
Svare's coaching career reached another milestone when he was appointed head coach of the Chargers in 1971. Although the team faced challenges during his leadership, Svare's knowledge of the game and his ability to mentor players were recognized. He remained with the Chargers until 1973, after which he stepped away from coaching.
Throughout his career, Harland Svare was known for his analytical approach to football, both as a player and a coach.
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