Who will be the next head coach of the New York Giants? The organization has reportedly compiled a list of candidates they plan to interview for the position.
Giants’ Next Head Coach: Candidates
The Giants interview list includes Mike McCarthy, Chris Shula, Antonio Pierce and more as they cast a wide net. https://t.co/o2weOafxQt
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) January 2, 2026
With one game remaining, the Giants are starting to turn their attention toward the upcoming coaching search.
The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on November 10. Mike Kafka has been the interim head coach since Daboll’s firing. Now, it’s time to find a permanent head coach.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan compiled the list of candidates the Giants plan to use when determining their next head coach. Kafka is on that list and will receive an interview.
The other reported names include Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, former Raiders head coach and New York Giants player Antonio Pierce, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and former Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike McCarthy.
The list has not been finalized, as the Giants are expected to consider more candidates for the job.
The Giants could be interested in several NFL head coaches if they are fired in the coming weeks. Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski is a name the Giants would have serious interest in.
Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year who specializes in offensive development, something the Giants must implement for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and Baltimore’s John Harbaugh feel like pipe dreams, but the Giants would surely be interested in either coach if they became available.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen will be leading the coaching search. As of now, Schoen’s job is safe. However, that could change if ownership makes a last-minute decision and moves on from Schoen.
Per Raanan, there is no mandate to focus on an offensive or defensive coach or someone with prior head coaching experience.
Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch will have the final say at the end of the day.
Giants’ Future
Storylines to follow in Sunday's season finale vs. Cowboys ⤵️
📰: https://t.co/Cu2gwrnPfx pic.twitter.com/lE001eCwgZ
— Matt Citak (@MattCitak) December 31, 2025
The Giants, from ownership and coaches to players and fans, are looking forward to the end of the season. The team is 3-13 as it heads into Week 18’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
If the Giants lose, they will pick no worse than No. 2 in the upcoming NFL Draft. If the Giants lose and the Raiders defeat the Chiefs, then New York will have the No. 1 pick.
If the Giants win, then they could fall to No. 7 depending on the rest of the Week 18 results. Clearly, it is in the Giants’ best interest to lose on Sunday.
Despite the poor record, the Giants are seen as an attractive destination for prospective head coaches. The team has young offensive talent, including Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers.
The defensive line is considered a strength, with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter.
With the right coach and a last-place schedule, the Giants could turn a lot of heads next season.
