No one has been hired yet, so there is no confirmed answer to who will be the Giants’ new head coach right now. The team is actively interviewing candidates and running a full search, with several big names and storylines in play as of early January 2026.

Current situation

  • The Giants fired Brian Daboll during the 2025 season and finished the year with Mike Kafka as interim head coach.
  • Ownership has decided to keep general manager Joe Schoen, who is now leading the search for the next head coach after a disappointing 2025 season.
  • Multiple reports frame the Giants job as one of the more attractive openings because of young talent like Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, and a strong defensive front.

Names most often linked

Several candidates are consistently mentioned in news, analysis pieces, and rumor roundups. None is locked in, but these are among the hottest names.

Veteran and recently available head coaches

  • Kevin Stefanski – Former Browns head coach, widely described as a leading candidate if he wants the job, thanks to his offensive background and reputation as a stabilizing presence.
  • John Harbaugh – Long‑time Ravens coach who has been linked to interviews with the Giants in some trackers; his experience and culture‑building profile fit what many believe the franchise wants.
  • Mike McCarthy – Former Cowboys coach who has appeared on early lists of possible targets, especially in speculative and insider rumor discussions.

Coordinators and college coaches

  • Lou Anarumo – Colts defensive coordinator with previous Giants and Miami ties to Schoen; viewed as a serious defensive‑minded option who has interviewed for the job in the past.
  • Klint Kubiak – Seahawks offensive coordinator, often cited as a logical fit to develop Jaxson Dart and modernize the offense.
  • Jeff Hafley – Packers defensive coordinator mentioned on candidate lists as a newer‑school defensive option.
  • Kliff Kingsbury – Commanders offensive coordinator, tied to the search as a pass‑game‑focused, quarterback‑friendly possibility.
  • Marcus Freeman – Notre Dame head coach; some reports frame him as an intriguing cultural leader and program‑builder, though it is not clear how mutual the NFL interest is.

Wild cards and fan‑talk names

  • Antonio Pierce – Franchise favorite and current Raiders coach; one report notes the Giants came away “impressed” after a head‑coaching interview, which has fueled fan excitement about a possible reunion.
  • Darren Rizzi – Long‑time special teams coordinator with a prior connection to Schoen in Miami, mentioned as an interview target and a potential under‑the‑radar hire.
  • Other rumored names from insider and fan discussions include Matt Nagy, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo, and Chris Shula, all tied to the broader candidate pool in various reports.

What makes a favorite right now?

No single candidate has been officially labeled the front‑runner, but reporting and analysis hint at a few factors that could decide who will be the Giants’ new coach.

  • Offensive mind vs. defensive mind
    • Many analysts think the Giants may prefer an offensive coach who can develop Jaxson Dart and maximize weapons like Nabers and Cam Skattebo.
* Others argue a defensive leader like Anarumo or Flores (another name floated in analysis pieces) could pair with a strong offensive staff instead.
  • Prior relationships with Joe Schoen
    • Candidates who have worked with Schoen before (for example, Anarumo or Rizzi through Miami ties) are often seen as having an inside track, simply because front offices tend to hire people they know.
  • Fit with the New York spotlight
    • Articles repeatedly mention that the next coach must handle the New York media market, rebuild credibility after several losing seasons, and connect with a restless fan base.

Quick comparison of leading types

[8][5] [8][5] [5][4] [5] [4] [4] [7] [7]
Candidate type Main appeal Potential downside
Veteran ex–head coach (e.g., Stefanski, McCarthy) Proven ability to run a team; could bring instant structure and credibility. Past flameouts or stagnant offenses may worry fans and ownership.
Top coordinator (e.g., Anarumo, Kubiak, Hafley) Fresh ideas with success in current roles; may be cheaper and more flexible. No guarantee their success carries over to being a full head coach.
College HC (e.g., Marcus Freeman) Strong culture‑builder, respected by players, good at leading young rosters. Transition from college to NFL can be rough; schematic questions at the pro level.
Giants legend / emotional pick (e.g., Antonio Pierce) Instant fan buy‑in and energy; understands Giants history and expectations. Emotional appeal may overshadow questions about scheme and long‑term track record.

So, who will it be?

  • As of now, no agreement has been reported and there is no official announcement, so anyone claiming to know for sure is speculating.
  • The safest way to track “who will be the Giants’ new coach” over the next few days and weeks is to keep an eye on:
    • Official Giants press releases and social feeds.
* Reputable NFL news outlets and beat writers who are tracking interviews and second interviews.

Until a contract is signed and the team announces it, the answer to who will be the Giants’ new coach is: a short list of favorites, but nothing finalized yet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.