The New York Giants have made a key addition to their coaching staff, hiring Mike Bloomgren as their new offensive line coach. Bloomgren, who held the same position with the Cleveland Browns last season, brings a wealth of experience and a coaching pedigree that traces back to one of the NFL’s most respected line coaches, Bill Callahan. The two worked together during their time with the New York Jets, and Bloomgren has since carved out his own path, spending significant time developing offensive lines at both the college and pro levels.
This hire also has ripple effects beyond the NFL, particularly in Central New York. Syracuse offensive line coach Juan Castillo, who was reportedly in the mix for the Giants job, will now remain with the Orange.
That’s a big win for new head coach Fran Brown, who brought Castillo on board earlier this offseason. Castillo’s name surfaced as a candidate for the Giants due to his past connection with John Harbaugh-now the Giants’ head coach-dating back to their time together in Baltimore.
Castillo Brings NFL Gravitas to Syracuse
Castillo’s résumé is as extensive as it is impressive. A former player at Texas A&M-Kingsville, he also coached at his alma mater before launching a long and accomplished NFL coaching career.
Since the mid-1990s, he’s held a wide array of roles: from offensive assistant and tight ends coach to offensive line coach and even defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s also served as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach for the Ravens, held similar positions with the Bills, worked as an analyst at Michigan, and coached tight ends and the run game in Washington.
Most recently, he’s had stops at both UCLA and Michigan again.
At 72, Castillo brings decades of wisdom and experience to a Syracuse program that’s looking to turn the page after a tough 3-9 campaign in 2025. While questions about how long he’ll remain in the coaching ranks are fair given his age, there’s no denying the value he brings in the short term. For a team trying to rebuild its offensive identity, having someone like Castillo in the trenches is a major asset.
A New Era for the Orange Coaching Staff
Castillo is part of a broader coaching overhaul under Fran Brown, who’s been aggressive in assembling a staff with both college and NFL experience. In addition to Castillo, Syracuse has brought in Vince Kehres as defensive coordinator and Sean Ryan-fresh off a Super Bowl win-as quarterbacks coach.
It’s a staff that blends championship experience with developmental expertise, and it signals that Syracuse isn’t interested in slow rebuilds. They’re aiming to compete, and soon.
The program announced several other coaching hires on Friday, continuing to fill out what looks to be a well-rounded and strategically built staff for 2026.
Syracuse Women’s Hoops Keeps Rolling
While the football program gears up for a fresh start, the Syracuse women’s basketball team is making noise of its own. The Orange dominated Boston College on Thursday night, cruising to a 93-59 win in Chestnut Hill. Now 19-4 overall and 9-3 in conference play, they’re building a strong case for a return to the NCAA Tournament come March.
Freshman Uche Izoje led the charge with 18 points and eight boards, while Madeline Potts added 12. Laila Phelia and Dominique Darius also hit double figures, with Darius notching a double-double thanks to 10 points and 10 assists.
Next up? A massive showdown against No.
6 Louisville on Sunday at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tip-off is set for noon ET, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest games of the season for the Orange.
With football laying the groundwork for a turnaround and women’s hoops surging toward postseason contention, there’s a sense of momentum building across the Syracuse athletic department. And if the coaching hires are any indication, the Orange are aiming high in 2026.