The New York Giants are 2-9 and look like one of the league’s saddest franchises in recent memory. But you know what they say -- looks can be deceiving. Despite the outward-facing clown show the G-Men put on every Sunday, their head coaching vacancy is expected to be one of the most sought-after in football.
After starting the season 2-8 and looking completely lost, Big Blue fired head coach Brian Daboll and elevated assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to interim HC. Kafka’s debut didn’t go how he’d hoped, but it’s clear this already feels like a different team than the one under the fiery Daboll.
Somewhat surprisingly, ownership didn't go the package-deal route, opting to keep general manager Joe Schoen, making it clear he’ll lead the coaching search once the season ends. Even still, that hasn't stopped multiple candidates from expressing their desire to be the 24th coach (including interim coaches) of the New York Football Giants. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported as such:
"One source with intimate knowledge of the opening described the Giants job as 'highly coveted due to it's young core and -- they are the New York Giants, still a marquee franchise. It was a sentiment also shared by several other agents with candidates who are interested in the position."
Giants’ head coaching job already drawing major interest
It’s easy to look at the record and the revolving door of coaches and GMs since Tom Coughlin’s departure and assume the job’s a nightmare. On paper, it definitely looks like one.
But not so fast, my friend. The G-Men have just about everything an incoming coach could want:
- Andrew Thomas: bookend left tackle
- Jaxson Dart: future franchise quarterback
- Malik Nabers: No. 1 wide receiver
- Cam Skattebo: three-down running back who moonlights as the Tasmanian Devil. He's great for locker room morale and a fan favorite
- Abdul Carter: 21-year-old pass-rusher with enormous potential
And those ^ are just the guys who are considered young... by football standards.
That’s a pretty enviable setup for any incoming coach, especially when you add the fact that this is still one of the league’s most iconic franchises. It starts to make sense why this job is getting attention despite the dysfunction.
Raanan named several potential interviewees for the job, including Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo, Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo, and former Las Vegas Raiders HC (and ex-Giants linebacker) Antonio Pierce.
He also mentioned rising coordinators like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jesse Minter, LA Rams’ Chris Shula, and Green Bay Packers’ Jeff Hafley -- along with former head coaches Mike McCarthy, Jon Gruden, Matt Nagy, and Vance Joseph. On the college front, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell were also listed.
The Giants’ consistent struggles suggest there’s more going on beneath the surface than anyone would like to admit. But with a young core in place, a marquee brand, and a clean slate, the right hire could flip the script fast. Now it’s just on Schoen to not screw it up.