Total Pro Sports
Five names are now leading the New York Giants’ search for a new head coach as the regular season wraps up.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that the Giants want to explore many options. The front office has already shared a shortlist with ownership. Once the season ends for teams out of the playoffs, the process will move quickly.
The Giants fired Brian Daboll nearly eight weeks ago, with Mike Kafka taking over as interim head coach. Making the change early gave the team more time to plan. General manager Joe Schoen is running the search with help from ownership.
Even after a tough 6-27 record over the past two seasons, league sources told Raanan that Schoen is expected to keep his job. That could change only if ownership shifts direction or a top coaching candidate asks for full control. In the end, owners John Mara and Steve Tisch will decide.
Mike McCarthy stands out right away. He has the most head coaching experience on the list. He won regularly in Green Bay and Dallas and worked with several quarterbacks. That background matters for a team focused on developing rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who impressed many inside the building this season.
Antonio Pierce is also near the top. He coached the Raiders in 2023 and 2024 with a limited roster. He once played for the Giants and knows the organization well. Team sources see him as a strong leader who is not afraid to make tough decisions.
Names expected to get interviews for the Giants HC opening next week (ESPN):
Mike McCarthy
Packers DC Jeff Hafley
Colts DC Lou Anarumo
Former Raiders HC Antonio Pierce
Rams DC Chris Shula— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 2, 2026
Chris Shula is one of the hottest names available. The 39-year-old is the Rams’ defensive coordinator and learned under Sean McVay. Many around the league view him as a rising coach who could have several opportunities.
Lou Anarumo is a familiar face. The Colts’ defensive coordinator interviewed with the Giants during their last coaching search and made a strong impression. He also coached with the Giants in 2018, grew up on Staten Island, and has family ties to the team, with his son working as a pro scout.
Jeff Hafley rounds out the list. The Packers’ defensive coordinator is from New Jersey and previously served as head coach at Boston College. His record there was under .500, but league insiders respect his defensive background and leadership.
Schoen summed up the plan last month. “At the appropriate time, we’ll get into potential coaches’ research and we’ll do thorough collaborative research and come up with the best coach to lead the New York Giants going into the 2026 season,” he said.
The Giants plan interviews soon. The future of the franchise now hinges on the next choice.
