The New York Giants will be searching for a new head coach for the first time since 2022. While you'll hear names like Joe Brady, Jeff Hafley, and Jesse Minter for the head coaching vacancy, there's one name that might not come up as often.
That would be Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has a special place in Giants fans' hearts. Spagnuolo, or Spags as he's often referred to as, spent two years as the Giants defensive coordinator and helped the team win a Super Bowl in the 2007 season over the previously undefeated New England Patriots.
Spags put together a hell of a defensive game plan against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense and made them look pedestrian in that game. Spagnuolo was hired away from New York in 2009, heading to the then-St. Louis Rams as their head coach. He lasted just three years in the role and went a disappointing 10-38 in three years with seven of those 10 wins coming in the 2010 season.
Spags returned to the Giants in 2015, stepping back into his defensive coordinator role, which he held onto until the end of the 2017 season. He briefly filled in as the interim head coach in that 2017 season as well, going 1-3.
In 2019, the Chiefs hired Spags as their defensive coordinator and wouldn't regret doing so. Kansas City has won three Super Bowls with Spags as the defensive coordinator and his 2023 defense helped pave the way to the third title in five years for the Chiefs, cementing them as this decade's NFL dynasty.
It's been a little puzzling to see Spagnuolo continue to get ignored in the head coaching cycles considering his success in Kansas City these past seven seasons. Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict thinks that it's time for the Giants to stop ignoring Spags and give him a chance to lead their football team next year and beyond.
"Spagnuolo's success as the Chiefs DC has elevated his status considerably, with three more rings coming after his first Super Bowl win with the New York Giants. His body of work has even brought up the idea of his potential inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a rare notion considering his status as coordinator. But it's possible he might get to add to his resume as a head coach once again.
The Giants cut ties with head coach Brian Daboll after their record fell to 2-8 this season. Daboll's three-win effort in 2024 and career record of 20-40 with the team made it an easy call to move on. In his wake, the Giants are wondering where to go next—and the answer might be Spagnuolo."
Giants should consider hiring Steve Spagnuolo as their next head coach
Sure, some might point to Spags' time as the head coach of the Rams from 2009 to 2011 as a reason to stay away from him. Some might also point out that he's 65 years old and is it the best idea to hire a head coach whose half a decade away from turning 70? Fair points for sure.
That being said, not hiring someone because of his age is silly. Spags has shown that he is a good leader and with the pieces the Giants have on both sides of the ball, he'd be walking into a great situation in the Big Apple.
Spags and the Giants know each other well and this could be the perfect marriage for both sides. While ultimately, I doubt New York hires Spags due to the concerns listed above, he's at least worth interviewing.