Juan Castillo’s time at Syracuse might be over before it even began.
Just weeks after being announced as the new offensive line coach for the Orange, Castillo is now reportedly a top candidate to join the New York Giants in the same role. That’s according to Art Stapleton, who reports that Castillo is “strongly in play” to become the Giants’ next offensive line coach - a move that would reunite him with newly hired head coach John Harbaugh.
This wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory for Castillo. He worked under Harbaugh in Baltimore, and also served as the offensive line coach for Matt Nagy when the two were together in Chicago. There’s also a Michigan connection: Castillo would be reuniting with assistant offensive line coach Grant Newsome, with whom he worked during his stint in Ann Arbor.
Castillo’s coaching resume is as deep as it is wide. After playing college ball at Texas A&M-Kingsville, he coached at his alma mater before launching a long and varied coaching career across both college and the NFL.
He’s held roles with the Eagles, Ravens, Bills, Bears, Commanders, UCLA, and Michigan - working on both sides of the ball and in multiple coordinator capacities. At 72, Castillo is one of the most experienced offensive minds still on the sidelines, and if he’s eyeing one more NFL run, this opportunity with the Giants could be the right fit at the right time.
What This Means for Syracuse
If Castillo does leave for the NFL before coaching a single game at Syracuse, it’s a tough blow for Fran Brown and his newly assembled staff. Brown, in his first year at the helm, has made a splash with his coaching hires, bringing in a mix of veteran experience and rising talent. Castillo was a key piece of that puzzle, expected to bring NFL-caliber technique and discipline to the Orange offensive line.
Still, the program has made several other promising hires this offseason, including defensive coordinator Vince Kehres and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan, who brings a Super Bowl ring to the table. Brown’s staff is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing groups in the ACC - but losing Castillo would certainly test their depth early.
Transfer Portal Additions Bolster the Roster
While the coaching carousel continues to spin, Syracuse has been active in the transfer portal, reloading with a diverse and talented group of players from across the country. Here’s a look at the new faces joining the Orange:
- Ahmad Miller, RB (Jackson State)
- Jartavius Flounoy, DT (Georgia State)
- Cole Weaver, WR (Miami of Ohio)
- Ju'Juan Johnson, RB (LSU)
- Chris D'Appolonia, LB (Toledo)
- Elijah Moore, WR (Florida State)
- Keyshawn Johnson, Edge (UT-Martin)
- Dillan Fontus, DL (Maryland)
- Amari Odom, QB (Kennesaw State)
- Amare Snowden, DB (Toledo)
- Tunmise Adeleye, DE (UNLV)
- Nazir Ward, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Matthew Outten, WR (Penn State)
- Danny Lauter, QB (Georgetown)
- Jai Eugene, DB (Western Kentucky)
- Oluwafunto Akinshilo, OL (UCLA)
That’s a sizable haul, with talent at nearly every position group. Notably, the Orange added depth at quarterback, wide receiver, and along the defensive front - all areas where they’ll need immediate impact. If Brown and his staff can get this group to gel quickly, Syracuse could be one of the more unpredictable teams in the conference this fall.
Around the Orange Athletic Department
It’s not just football making noise on the Hill.
- The Syracuse women’s basketball team is rolling. At 18-4 overall and 8-3 in ACC play, they’re firmly in the mix for postseason relevance. They’ll look to keep that momentum going Thursday night at Boston College after a gritty 65-60 win over Miami.
- Men’s lacrosse opened its season with a win over Boston University and picked up some ACC honors along the way - a strong start for a program with big expectations.
- Men’s basketball is still finding its footing. After a tough loss to North Carolina - a game where they trailed by as many as 32 - they’ll try to bounce back on Saturday against No.
18 Virginia. That game tips at noon ET and could be a measuring stick for how far this team has to go.
Former Orange star Carmelo Anthony wasn’t shy about voicing his frustration, and he wasn’t alone.
Syracuse fans have plenty to keep an eye on across the board. Whether Castillo stays or goes, the football program is clearly in motion - and the rest of the athletic department isn’t slowing down either.