In today's climate, an offensive-minded replacement filling any NFL head coaching vacancy that becomes available has almost become the expectation. It's easy to see why, considering the rules seemingly skew more towards the high-scoring clubs.
Don't hate the player, hate the game, right? Teams are just doing what they think is in their best interests to survive in a sink-or-swim league. However, the New York Giants may benefit from zagging when everyone else is zigging,
The Giants boast an intriguing blend of promising young talent and a strong veteran presence that will appeal to candidates. Many of them reside on defense, though. Knowing this, why not make their next head coach someone who can maximize the group they have on that side of the ball?
If the Giants decide to take the unconventional path forward, Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke stands out as an intriguing option.
Texans DC Matt Burke may quietly be the Giants' ideal head coach candidate hiding in plain sight
Electrifying rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's development will presumably be the top priority for the Giants' next leader. Naturally, an offensive coach is the first instinct. Yet, what if the best way to help him is by focusing on his exciting defensive core?
A rising star with over two decades of experience in the pros, Burke's contributions in Houston ostensibly aren't going unnoticed. He's excelled in his newfound role as the Texans' defensive play-caller for much of 2025 and has reportedly positioned himself for interviews this offseason.
Per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, Burke is gaining traction ($) ahead of the upcoming hiring cycle.
"Burke has been among the list of names being brought up for potential coaching vacancies this offseason," Alexander wrote. "No one has requested interviews yet, but I'd expect it to happen."
As Alexander proceeds to highlight, Burke is "deserving" of any opportunities that come his way. He’s done "a tremendous job" leading a stop unit that's allowing the fewest points (16.6) and yards (272.4) per game entering Week 18. And perhaps most importantly, the Texans players "have a ton of respect for him."
Add Burke's pedigree and football acumen with having "the right leadership qualities," and you get a slam-dunk prospective Brian Daboll successor for the Giants. Like the Texans, New York has a fierce front seven waiting to thrive under the proper guidance; he can untap the tantalizing upside.
Two-time All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns and burgeoning first-round rookie Abdul Carter are a dominant pass-rushing trio. 2022 No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux continues to grow into a more well-rounded contributor, and 2025 third-round selection Darius Alexander has shown promise. This is what Burke would have to work with in New York, plus a secondary with several interesting pieces.
We don't need to imagine what Burke can do with a duo like Burns and Carter on the edge, because it's happening in Houston. Texans standouts Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter have combined for 49 sacks, 11 pass deflections, seven forced fumbles and 87 quarterback hits since 2024. That should be all the proof of concept Giants fans need.
It's worth mentioning that Anderson and Hunter's dominance with Burke has come without an imposing presence sandwiching them. So, any drop-off folks feel there is between Houston's tandem and Burns/Carter is counteracted by Lawrence, arguably the most dominant interior defender in the sport. Imagine the difference that can make.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans (rightfully) gets a ton of credit, though Burke has quietly been pulling the strings. Houston's remarkable rebound from an 0-3 start to winning 11 of their next 13 contests uncoincidentally came when the latter began calling plays. Giants general manager Joe Schoen and Big Blue Nation should take note.
Houston has the fifth-most sacks (46) despite being in the lower half of the league in blitz, hurry and pressure rates. They trail only the Seattle Seahawks in Pro Football Reference's expected points contributed. For those unfamiliar with the metric, it's "a formula that estimates the expected number of points given a combination of down, distance, and yard line."