The New York Giants are once again staring down a familiar crossroads - a head coaching search. It’s a road they’ve traveled far too often in recent years, and now, with another regime likely on its way out, the focus shifts to what comes next.
Who steps in to steer this franchise forward? And more importantly, what kind of coach do the Giants need right now?
What we’re hearing is that the Giants are leaning toward someone with real head coaching experience this time around - and that tracks. Over their last four hires, only Pat Shurmur had been a head coach before.
The rest - Ben McAdoo, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll - were all first-timers. The results?
Mixed at best.
So, it makes sense that the Giants might want someone who’s been through the fire before. Someone who knows how to manage the full scope of an NFL team - not just scheme up plays or run a position room. That opens the door to some intriguing names, including a few who may not be on the open market just yet, but could be soon.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most compelling potential candidates - and why each one could make sense for the Giants.
Kevin O’Connell - A Quarterback Whisperer in Waiting?
Kevin O’Connell’s stock may be wobbling a bit in Minnesota, but don’t let that fool you - the guy knows how to coach offense. When he had Kirk Cousins healthy, the Vikings’ passing game was among the league’s most efficient. Even Sam Darnold, in limited action, looked sharp under O’Connell’s guidance.
The issue in Minnesota this year has been quarterback play - or the lack of it. J.J.
McCarthy’s rookie season hasn’t gone according to plan, and Max Brosmer hasn’t been able to steady the ship either. That’s not entirely on O’Connell, but in a results-driven league, it could put his job in jeopardy.
If he does become available, O’Connell would be a fascinating fit for the Giants, especially with Jaxson Dart under center. Dart has flashed franchise-level potential, and pairing him with a coach who’s proven he can develop quarterbacks might be exactly what New York needs to unlock the next level.
Kevin Stefanski - Offensive Stability Amid Chaos
Kevin Stefanski has done more with less than just about any coach in the league. Despite a revolving door at quarterback - and not by his own choosing - he’s managed to keep the Browns competitive and even earned two Coach of the Year awards along the way.
The last two seasons have been rough in Cleveland, with a 6-23 record that has Stefanski firmly on the hot seat. But the context matters: he’s been handed quarterbacks he didn’t want, and he’s still found ways to keep the offense functioning.
If Cleveland decides to move on, Stefanski won’t be unemployed for long. His ability to scheme up an offense and adapt to whatever personnel he’s given is rare. For the Giants, who have a young quarterback and plenty of cap flexibility, Stefanski could bring the kind of offensive identity they’ve lacked for years.
Mike Tomlin - The Ultimate Culture Builder
Yes, it sounds wild. Mike Tomlin, on the market?
But in Pittsburgh, the noise is growing louder. The Steelers’ attempts to extend their championship window have backfired, and now “Fire Tomlin” chants are echoing around Acrisure Stadium.
Still, let’s be clear: Tomlin has never had a losing season. Not once.
In 19 years. That’s not just impressive - it’s historic.
His teams always play hard, stay disciplined, and punch above their weight. He’s the kind of coach who commands a locker room the moment he walks in.
If the Steelers decide it’s time for a new voice, Tomlin would instantly become the most sought-after coaching candidate in the league. For the Giants, he’d bring instant credibility, leadership, and a no-nonsense approach that could stabilize a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels for too long.
John Harbaugh - The Architect of Adaptation
John Harbaugh might be the longest shot on this list, but he’s worth discussing. He’s been a pillar of consistency in Baltimore, and his ability to pivot from Joe Flacco to Lamar Jackson - and completely reimagine his offense in the process - was one of the boldest coaching moves of the last decade.
But despite having a two-time MVP in Jackson and one of the league’s most creative offenses, the Ravens have consistently fallen short in the postseason. That’s led to some questions about whether Harbaugh has taken this team as far as he can.
If Baltimore misses the playoffs again, it’s not unthinkable that the franchise might look to turn the page. And if Harbaugh becomes available, the Giants would be foolish not to make a call. He brings experience, adaptability, and a proven track record of building complete teams - not just flashy offenses or stout defenses.
The Bottom Line
The Giants are at a pivotal moment. They’ve got a young quarterback with real potential, a defense that’s talented but underperforming, a high draft pick, and a clean cap sheet. This is a franchise that could turn things around quickly - but only with the right leadership.
That’s why experience matters this time around. The next head coach needs to command the room, develop talent, and build a culture that lasts. Whether it’s a proven winner like Tomlin or Harbaugh, an offensive mind like Stefanski or O’Connell, or someone else entirely, the Giants have to get this one right.
There’s no more room for rookie mistakes.