Giants’ head coaching vacancy is sparking major interest despite instability
The New York Giants are 2-9 and look like one of the league’s saddest franchises in recent memory. But you know what they say -- looks can be deceiving. Despite the outward-facing clown show the G-Men put on every Sunday, their head coaching vacancy is expected to be one of the most sought-after in football.
After starting the season 2-8 and looking completely lost, Big Blue fired head coach Brian Daboll and elevated assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to interim HC. Kafka’s debut didn’t go how he’d hoped, but it’s clear this already feels like a different team than the one under the fiery Daboll.
Somewhat surprisingly, ownership didn't go the package-deal route, opting to keep general manager Joe Schoen, making it clear he’ll lead the coaching search once the season ends. Even still, that hasn't stopped multiple candidates from expressing their desire to be the 24th coach (including interim coaches) of the New York Football Giants. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported as such:
"One source with intimate knowledge of the opening described the Giants job as 'highly coveted due to it's young core and -- they are the New York Giants, still a marquee franchise. It was a sentiment also shared by several other agents with candidates who are interested in the position."
Giants’ head coaching job already drawing major interest
It’s easy to look at the record and the revolving door of coaches and GMs since Tom Coughlin’s departure and assume the job’s a nightmare. On paper, it definitely looks like one.
But not so fast, my friend. The G-Men have just about everything an incoming coach could want:
- Andrew Thomas: bookend left tackle
- Jaxson Dart: future franchise quarterback
- Malik Nabers: No. 1 wide receiver
- Cam Skattebo: three-down running back who moonlights as the Tasmanian Devil. He's great for locker room morale and a fan favorite
- Abdul Carter: 21-year-old pass-rusher with enormous potential
And those ^ are just the guys who are considered
That’s a pretty enviable setup for any incoming coach, especially when you add the fact that this is still one of the league’s most iconic franchises. It starts to make sense why this job is getting attention despite the dysfunction.
Raanan named several potential interviewees for the job, including Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo, Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo, and former Las Vegas Raiders HC (and ex-Giants linebacker) Antonio Pierce.
He also mentioned rising coordinators like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Jesse Minter, LA Rams’ Chris Shula, and Green Bay Packers’ Jeff Hafley -- along with former head coaches Mike McCarthy, Jon Gruden, Matt Nagy, and Vance Joseph. On the college front, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and Iowa State’s Matt Campbell were also listed.
The Giants’ consistent struggles suggest there’s more going on beneath the surface than anyone would like to admit. But with a young core in place, a marquee brand, and a clean slate, the right hire could flip the script fast. Now it’s just on Schoen to not screw it up.
Steelers fans get real hope after top draft target shows exactly what they need
After a solid win against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday, many might've missed some draft news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers. The franchise continues to spend considerable time scouting quarterbacks who may be available in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that isn’t the only position they’re evaluating.
Fans have demanded a solid second receiver on offense for years, and they might just get one.
Pittsburgh experienced a jam-packed weekend of football as the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers both played at home. Their shared venue, Acrisure Stadium, also welcomed College Gameday and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Many NFL scouts were in attendance, and two of them belonged to the Steelers, according to Alan Saunders of Pittsburgh Steelers Now.
This isn't the first time they have paid close attention to receivers; in fact, according to Saunders, they sent scouts around the country to witness several key prospects at the position. One name continues to stick out, and he put on a show against the Panthers on Saturday, and that's Malachi Fields. The Notre Dame receiver produced massive numbers that caught the eye of the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target WR Malachi Fields in upcoming draft to upgrade offense
“When in doubt, throw it to Fields” seemed to be the game plan for the Fighting Irish when they faced Pitt this past Saturday. It was a good choice because the massive receiver showed his talents at an elite level. His playmaking ability was evident after producing 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Notre Dame's 37-15 victory over the Panthers. He was dominant throughout.
Fields is an intriguing target for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Steelers.
He is a massive target standing at 6'4 and weighing 223 pounds. He is a fifth-year senior after playing his first four campaigns with the University of Virginia. He created big plays there, but transferred to Notre Dame to give himself a shot at winning a title and produce bigger numbers against tough competition.
Right now, many talent evaluators envision the Notre Dame product landing between rounds two and four of the upcoming NFL Draft. He could provide a terrific option to pair on the outside with DK Metcalf next season. Having two massive receivers on offense would certainly help their cause.
The Steelers got a firsthand look at how dominant Fields can be, and you can bet they took note of that performance.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers address the need at the receiver spot following the season. Their offense needs more firepower, and a prospect like Fields would be a terrific addition. Pittsburgh will target a quarterback early in the draft, but that doesn't mean they'll lose the opportunity to select a player like Fields. He could jump onto their offense tomorrow and produce.
