Two connected Giants head coaching candidates should be on everyone’s radar after Brian Daboll’s firing
These two New York Giants head coaching candidates would make perfect sense after firing Brian Daboll.
The New York Giants are without a head coach once again, beginning their search for the next man to lead their franchise after they fired Brian Daboll yesterday.
As the franchise begins its search, media members and insiders will discuss a long list of names over the coming months. ESPN’s Peter Schrager suggested two intriguing options for the Giants yesterday that they should strongly consider.
Hafley and Spagnuolo are both highly regarded as two of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL currently. While the emphasis during this search may be on finding an offensive guru to develop Jaxson Dart, turning to a defensive coordinator may be the smarter option.
Considering the failures of offensive coaches like Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur, and Daboll, finally turning to a coach with a defensive background may be the play. Additionally, the Giants’ defensive talent could be unlocked.
Let’s dig in further to these two options.
Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers DC
Hafley is the one candidate who seemingly checks numerous boxes for reasons that are unexpected.
First, he’s commanding one of the best defenses in the NFL that took a massive leap when he took over. In 2024, the Packers’ defense was sixth in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed. So far in 2025, after ten weeks, they’re seventh in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed. Over the last two years, the Packers have been regarded as one of the most well-coached and fundamentally sound units in the league.
The second layer to this is that Hafley has head-coaching experience, but he’s not a retread who was previously fired. From 2020 to 2023, he coached Boston College, a program historically difficult to succeed in. While he was there, he finished with a 22-26 record and three bowl game invitations. He ultimately chose to leave to take the Packers DC role.
It’s extremely rare to find a candidate with head-coaching experience who understands how to command an entire team without having been previously fired. It’s generally risky to hire a coach who has been fired and relegated to a coordinator role, as they may end up repeating their failures. Understandably, he coached in the ACC at the college level, but he’s quickly proved he is quick to adapt, as evidenced by his dominance as a coordinator.
Lastly, the bonus is that he’s a North Jersey guy from Montvale, attending Pascack Hills High School. Those from this region understand better than anyone how important it is to have someone who takes pride in representing the New York/New Jersey area.
My pick for this job right now is Hafley for all these reasons; he couldn’t be a better candidate.
Steve Spagnuolo, Kansas City Chiefs DC
Giants fans are well acquainted with Spagnuolo, having served as the defensive coordinator twice and as the interim head coach.
He previously won a Super Bowl as the DC of a formidable unit from 2007 to 2008. He later returned as the DC from 2015-2017 and served as the interim when McAdoo was fired.
His overall success as a coordinator is tremendous, having won four Super Bowls with the Chiefs and Giants. Since taking over in Kansas City, the Chiefs’ defense has been one of the most consistent in the league. Currently, they’re fourth in points allowed and sixth in yards allowed.
Spagnuolo also has prior head coaching experience, dating back over a decade, when he led the St. Louis Rams from 2009 to 2011. During that period, the Rams were awful, amassing a 10-38 record. Considering how long ago that was, it’s likely he’s had enough time to reflect on what to do differently.
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