The New York Giants are moving quickly in their search for a new offensive coordinator under head coach John Harbaugh, and this weekend could be pivotal. According to reports, the team is scheduled to interview Colts pass game coordinator Alex Tanney on Friday and Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter on Sunday. Both are intriguing candidates with unique résumés that reflect the evolving nature of offensive coaching in today’s NFL.
Where the Giants Stand in Their OC Search
With Harbaugh now in place, the Giants are casting a wide net for the right offensive mind to help reshape their identity. Here's a look at the updated list of candidates currently in the mix:
- Todd Monken, Ravens OC (Browns interview)
- Willie Taggart, Ravens assistant HC/RB coach (Requested)
- Robert Prince, Dolphins WR coach (Requested)
- Jim Bob Cooter, Colts OC (Scheduled)
- Alex Tanney, Colts pass game coordinator (Scheduled)
Each brings a different angle to the table-whether it's Monken’s experience calling plays at the highest level, Taggart’s leadership background, or Prince’s work with one of the most explosive receiving corps in the league. But let’s focus on the two Colts assistants set to meet with the Giants this weekend.
Alex Tanney: The Former QB Making a Coaching Climb
At 36, Alex Tanney is part of a growing wave of young, former quarterbacks transitioning quickly into coaching roles. He broke into the league in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Monmouth, signing with the Chiefs.
Over the next several years, he bounced around the league, spending time with the Cowboys, Browns, Buccaneers, Titans, Bills, and eventually the Colts. His most notable stint came with the Titans, where he was promoted to the active roster in 2015.
Tanney’s playing career wrapped up with the Giants, where he re-signed on a futures deal for the 2021 season. But it was his transition into coaching that’s turned heads.
After retiring in 2020, Tanney joined the Eagles as an offensive quality control coach and quickly moved up to quarterbacks coach by 2023. His work in that role earned him a promotion to pass game coordinator with the Colts ahead of the 2024 season.
Tanney’s trajectory is notable not just for its speed, but for the type of systems he’s been exposed to. His time in Philadelphia and Indianapolis has given him insight into modern passing concepts, RPO-heavy schemes, and quarterback development-key areas for a Giants team that needs to maximize its offensive potential.
Jim Bob Cooter: A Veteran Play-Caller with a Track Record
Then there’s Jim Bob Cooter, a name that’s been around NFL coaching circles for over a decade. At 41, he’s already held multiple prominent roles, including offensive coordinator gigs in both Detroit and Indianapolis.
Cooter began his NFL coaching career with the Colts in 2009 as an offensive assistant. From there, he made stops in Kansas City and Denver before landing in Detroit, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator during the 2015 season. He held that job through 2018, guiding Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense through some productive years.
After a stint as the Jets’ running backs coach in 2019, Cooter resurfaced as the Jaguars' passing game coordinator. His return to Indianapolis came in 2023, when he was named offensive coordinator, marking his second go-around with the Colts.
Under Cooter in 2025, the Colts' offense quietly put together a strong season. They ranked 9th in total yards, 8th in points scored, and 9th in rushing yards.
The passing game, while not elite (20th in the league), was efficient enough to keep defenses honest. That kind of balance is something the Giants have sorely lacked in recent years.
Cooter’s experience calling plays, combined with his familiarity with different offensive systems and quarterback styles, makes him an appealing option for a team looking for stability and creativity on that side of the ball.
What This Means for the Giants
The Giants’ search appears to be prioritizing candidates with quarterback development backgrounds and schematic versatility-two areas that will be crucial as they look to retool under Harbaugh. Whether they go with a younger, ascending coach like Tanney or a more seasoned play-caller like Cooter, the goal is the same: find someone who can breathe life into an offense that’s struggled to find consistency.
With interviews lined up this weekend, the Giants could be closing in on a decision soon. And whoever gets the nod will have a major hand in shaping the next chapter of Giants football.