The New York Giants are actively searching for a new head coach after firing Brian Daboll.,Several candidates with diverse backgrounds, from interim coaches to experienced coordinators, are being considered.The New York Giants have shifted their focus to the offseason after being eliminated from playoff contention, becoming the first NFL team to do so. This transition includes the search for a new head coach, following the dismissal of Brian Daboll in November after a 2-8 start to the 2025 season. General Manager Joe Schoen will lead the search, with team president and CEO John Mara expressing impatience with the franchise’s trajectory.
The Giants job is expected to attract numerous candidates, partly due to a solid foundation that includes rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and key players like wide receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. However, the organization has historically favored familiar faces in coaching searches, leaving questions about whether they will consider unconventional options this time.
Here is an early ranking of potential coaching candidates:
10. Mike Kafka, Giants interim coach: Tasked with finishing the season, Kafka has shown promise with aggressive game plans. However, interim coaches often face an uphill battle for the full-time position, and significant team progress will be crucial for his candidacy.
9. Antonio Pierce, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach: Pierce, a former Giants player and Super Bowl champion with the team, also had a stint as interim coach for the Raiders. His organizational connections and past interim success could lead to an interview.
8. Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator: Known for his work with stout defenses under Jim Harbaugh, Minter is seen as a rising figure in coaching interviews. His zone-heavy scheme could be an intriguing element for a Giants defense seeking a turnaround.
7. Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator: Joseph leads one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. Despite a less inspiring head-coaching tenure with Denver previously, his ability to orchestrate a fearsome pass rush could be what the Giants need.
6. Matt Nagy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator: With a head-coaching background, Nagy might be a candidate if the Giants prioritize offensive minds. However, the current pool of offensive coordinator candidates is seen as less compelling.
5. Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs defensive coordinator: Spagnuolo has been interviewed by the Giants twice before, in 2016 and 2018. While a third opportunity seems unlikely given his age and the team’s situation, he is a familiar figure who could help stabilize the team in the short term.
4. Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator: As a former head coach at Boston College and a native of New Jersey, Hafley could benefit from connections. His aggressive defense might offer a blueprint for the Giants, particularly in utilizing young pass-rushing talent.
3. Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys head coach: McCarthy, who interviewed with the Giants in 2020, could be an attractive option due to his extensive head-coaching experience and track record. Sitting out a season might make him more appealing in a pool with fewer established candidates.
2. Lou Anarumo, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator: Anarumo has revitalized the Colts’ defense and re-established himself as a head-coaching candidate. He has strong ties to the Giants, having served as a defensive backs coach there in 2018 and overlapping with GM Joe Schoen.
1. Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator: Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, has emerged as a hot assistant coach due to his work with the Rams’ defense. His ability to develop young talent and potential connections to the Sean McVay coaching tree could make him a top choice, despite his lack of head-coaching experience.
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