The Giants are casting a wide net in their search for a new offensive coordinator under newly hired head coach John Harbaugh, and one of the latest names to surface is Colts pass game coordinator Alex Tanney. According to reports, New York has officially requested to interview Tanney for the position, adding another intriguing candidate to a growing list.
Here’s where the Giants’ OC search currently stands:
- Todd Monken, Ravens offensive coordinator (interviewed by Browns)
- Willie Taggart, Ravens assistant head coach/running backs coach (interview requested)
- Robert Prince, Dolphins wide receivers coach (interview requested)
- Jim Bob Cooter, Colts offensive coordinator (interview scheduled)
- Alex Tanney, Colts pass game coordinator (interview requested)
Tanney’s name might not carry the same weight as some of the more established coordinators on this list, but his path to this point has been anything but ordinary-and it’s exactly that unconventional journey that makes him a compelling candidate.
At 36, Tanney is part of the NFL’s new wave of young, offensive-minded coaches. His playing career began in 2012 when he signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Monmouth. From there, he bounced around the league, spending time with seven different teams-including the Cowboys, Browns, Buccaneers, Titans, Bills, Colts, and Giants-before finally landing on the Titans’ active roster at the end of the 2015 season.
While Tanney never became a household name as a quarterback, his time in so many different systems gave him a rare vantage point. He saw the game through a variety of lenses and under a wide range of coaching philosophies. That kind of experience can be invaluable when transitioning to the sidelines.
After hanging up his cleats in 2020, Tanney quickly pivoted to coaching. He got his start with the Eagles as an offensive quality control coach, a role that often involves deep film study, scouting opposing defenses, and assisting in game-planning.
It’s a behind-the-scenes position that demands a sharp football mind-and Tanney clearly impressed. By 2023, he was promoted to quarterbacks coach, a rapid rise that speaks to his football IQ and ability to connect with players.
The Colts brought him on as their pass game coordinator ahead of the 2024 season, and he’s remained in that role since. While Indianapolis’ offense has gone through its own ups and downs, Tanney’s work with the passing game has earned him attention around the league.
For the Giants, this is a pivotal hire. Pairing the right offensive coordinator with Harbaugh’s leadership could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Tanney may not have the same level of play-calling experience as someone like Jim Bob Cooter or Todd Monken, but he represents a fresh, modern approach to offensive football. He’s young, he’s been in the trenches as a player, and he’s quickly rising through the coaching ranks.
Whether or not Tanney lands the job, his inclusion in the interview process signals that the Giants are keeping an open mind. They’re not just looking for a big name-they’re looking for the right fit. And in today’s NFL, where innovation and adaptability are just as important as pedigree, Alex Tanney is a name worth watching.