The New York Giants are in search of their fifth head coach in nine years after firing Brian Daboll on Monday following a 2-8 start to the 2025 season, marking the end of a rough three-year stretch where he went 11-33 in his last 44 games. General manager Joe Schoen, surprisingly, will lead the search for the Giants’ next head coach despite assembling the teams with poor results since 2023.
The job remains attractive to many coaches. Jaxson Dart appears to be a promising franchise quarterback, alongside young talents like edge rusher Abdul Carter, running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and tight end Theo Johnson. The defense also boasts playmakers such as Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
With ample cap space anticipated next offseason, and owners John Mara and Steve Tisch known for their patience with underperforming coaches, the opportunity remains appealing—Daboll’s return after a 3-14 season was unexpected.
Here are 10 early candidates for the Giants’ head-coaching role:
**Bill Belichick: Head Coach, University of North Carolina**
A six-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots, Belichick is regarded as one of the best head coaches in NFL history. The 74-year-old has a history with the Giants, having worked there from 1979-1990 and winning two Super Bowls. His affection for the Giants is well-known, and a return to the team would be a poetic full-circle moment.
**Mike Kafka: Interim Head Coach, New York Giants**
The 38-year-old offensive coordinator has the opportunity to stabilize the Giants while Schoen searches for a head coach. Kafka has been considered for multiple head-coaching positions recently, interviewing with the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans, and drawing interest from the Seahawks last year.
**Lane Kiffin: Head Coach, Ole Miss**
Kiffin might be a fit for the Giants if he seeks another NFL head-coaching opportunity. His work with Dart at Ole Miss could offer continuity for the Giants’ offense. However, big-time college programs might offer him lucrative deals, and his previous 5-15 record with the Raiders could make NFL teams wary.
**Kliff Kingsbury: Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders**
Kingsbury, previously head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is making a case for another NFL head-coaching role through his work with the Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels. His offensive expertise could benefit the Giants’ young offense.
**Klint Kubiak: Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks**
After transforming the Seahawks’ offense and developing Sam Darnold into an MVP candidate, Kubiak is expected to be a popular name in head-coaching searches. His work with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba showcases his potential with the Giants’ talents.
**Mike McCarthy**
The former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach, known for his successful offenses and playoff appearances, could be an upgrade for a Giants team with limited recent playoff experiences.
**Antonio Pierce: CBS Sports Analyst**
The former Giants linebacker and Super Bowl champion gained attention as interim head coach of the Raiders in 2023. Although his next season wasn’t successful, his player-centric approach could be valuable for the Giants’ culture.
**Steve Spagnuolo: Defensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs**
Spagnuolo, a former Giants defensive coordinator who led them to a Super Bowl win, has established himself as an elite defensive coordinator with the Chiefs. His familiarity with the Giants organization could earn him consideration.
**Mike Tomlin: Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers**
After 19 years with the Steelers, Tomlin might be ready for a new challenge. Despite not winning a playoff game since 2016, he has maintained competitive teams. If the Steelers move on from him, the Giants could pursue him.
**Kevin Stefanski: Head Coach, Cleveland Browns**
Though his time in Cleveland may be waning, Stefanski has overcome adversity to achieve two 11-win seasons. His success with the Browns suggests he could find greater accomplishments elsewhere.
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