The New York Giants are gearing up for another pivotal offseason, and the head coaching search is already taking shape. According to multiple reports, the Giants have narrowed their focus to five potential candidates, signaling a wide-ranging approach that spans both NFL and college ranks. Among the names being discussed: Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Let’s break down what each of these candidates brings to the table - and why the Giants’ front office, led by GM Joe Schoen, may see one of them as the right fit to lead Big Blue into its next chapter.
Marcus Freeman: The College Star on the NFL Radar
Marcus Freeman is arguably the most intriguing name on this list - and not just because he’s the only current college head coach being considered. At 39, Freeman has already built an impressive résumé at Notre Dame, going 40-12 over four seasons, including two bowl appearances, a College Football Playoff berth, and a national runner-up finish in 2024. That kind of success at a blue-blood program doesn’t go unnoticed.
Freeman’s coaching journey started after a brief NFL stint that never got off the ground. A fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2009, he was cut as a rookie and pivoted quickly into coaching. Stops at Ohio State, Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati helped him climb the ladder, eventually landing at Notre Dame as defensive coordinator in 2021 before being promoted to head coach the following year.
Despite being under contract through 2030, Freeman is expected to draw attention from multiple NFL teams. His leadership style, defensive acumen, and ability to connect with young players make him a compelling candidate for a league increasingly open to fresh voices from the college ranks.
Jeff Hafley: The Rising Defensive Mind
Jeff Hafley is another name generating serious buzz - and for good reason. After a strong season coordinating the Packers’ defense, Hafley is considered a “heavy favorite” by some insiders for the Giants job.
His unit ranked top-10 across multiple categories in 2025: fifth in total yards allowed, sixth in points allowed, ninth against the run, and seventh against the pass. That’s the kind of balance that turns heads in front offices.
Hafley’s coaching roots trace back to WPI in 2011, and he’s taken the long road through college and pro football. After stops at Albany, Pitt, and Rutgers, he broke into the NFL with the Buccaneers and later worked with the Browns and 49ers.
His big break came at Ohio State in 2019 as co-defensive coordinator, which led to a head coaching job at Boston College. Green Bay brought him in as DC before the 2024 season, and he’s made the most of the opportunity.
At 46, Hafley is seasoned but still on the younger side for a head coach. He brings a mix of NFL experience, college leadership, and recent success that makes him a legitimate contender.
Lou Anarumo: The Veteran With Ties to New York
Lou Anarumo isn’t a new name to Giants fans. He served as the team’s defensive backs coach in 2018 and has long been viewed as a potential head coaching candidate. Now with the Colts as defensive coordinator, Anarumo is expected to receive serious consideration once again - and the connection with Joe Schoen, dating back to their time together in Miami, only strengthens his case.
Anarumo, 59, has been coaching since 1989, starting at Wagner and working his way through the college ranks before landing with the Dolphins in 2012. After his stint with the Giants, he became the Bengals’ defensive coordinator in 2019, holding that role through 2024 before moving on to Indianapolis.
While the Colts’ defense had mixed results this season - 21st in yards allowed, 9th in points allowed, 26th against the pass, but 7th against the run - Anarumo’s reputation as a strong game-planner and motivator remains intact. He’s known for getting the most out of his personnel, especially in big moments, and his familiarity with New York could give him an edge in this process.
Kliff Kingsbury: Offensive Firepower and NFL Experience
Kliff Kingsbury is no stranger to the NFL head coaching carousel. After six seasons at Texas Tech and four as the Cardinals’ head coach, Kingsbury has seen both sides of the success spectrum. His time in Arizona produced a 26-33-1 record and one playoff berth, and while the results were mixed, his offensive philosophy and quarterback development skills still carry weight.
After a brief return to USC as a quarterbacks coach, Kingsbury landed with the Commanders as offensive coordinator in 2024. He’s known for his creativity and aggressive play-calling - traits that could appeal to a Giants organization looking to modernize its offense.
At 46, Kingsbury has the experience of running both college and NFL programs, and his ability to connect with young quarterbacks could be a valuable asset depending on how the Giants approach their future under center.
Klint Kubiak: A Legacy Name With a Modern Touch
Klint Kubiak may not have the head coaching experience of the others, but his résumé is quietly impressive. The 38-year-old has been in the NFL coaching pipeline for over a decade, with stops in Minnesota, Denver, San Francisco, and now Seattle. He’s worked under his father, Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak, and has steadily carved out his own identity as a play-caller and offensive mind.
After a stint as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2021, Kubiak followed a winding path that included time as a quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator before landing with the Saints as OC in 2024. While the Saints’ offense ranked in the bottom third of the league in most categories this season, Kubiak’s reputation for quarterback development and schematic adaptability still makes him a name to watch.
He’s young, innovative, and has experience in multiple systems - all qualities that could appeal to a franchise looking to build a sustainable offensive identity.
The Big Picture
The Giants’ head coaching search appears to be casting a wide net - from seasoned NFL coordinators to rising college stars and innovative offensive minds. Each candidate offers a different flavor, and the final decision will likely hinge on how the organization envisions its future, particularly on offense and at quarterback.
Whether it’s Freeman’s leadership, Hafley’s defensive dominance, Anarumo’s experience, Kingsbury’s offensive creativity, or Kubiak’s developmental upside, the Giants have options - and this hire could define the next era in New York.