The New York Giants have made a tough decision to move on from head coach Brian Daboll following another disappointing loss in Week 10. Daboll had been on the hot seat since the beginning of the season, though some believed he might retain his position due to his strong relationship with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
As the Giants look ahead to next season, finding the right leader to guide the franchise into the long-term future is crucial. Numerous names have already surfaced as potential candidates. While some big names have been mentioned, there are also up-and-coming coaches who could be a great fit. Whoever is chosen, New York must ensure that the new head coach is capable of committing to the team for years to come and developing a young roster.
One particularly intriguing candidate is Jeff Hafley, currently the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. To secure Hafley, the Giants would likely need to poach him from Green Bay. ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager has highlighted Hafley as a name to watch for New York. He also mentioned Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as a potential candidate.
Schrager wrote:
“Two names with strong NJ or Giants ‘connections’ I’d start keeping an eye on as NYG starts this thorough HC search:
1. Jeff Hafley, Packers DC, Montvale, NJ native; HC at Boston College 2020-2023.
2. Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs DC, Giants Super Bowl winning DC + onetime interim HC.”
Hafley has been a popular name in discussions about future head coaching vacancies over the past few years. Since taking over as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator before last season, he has transformed the Packers’ defense. At 46 years old, Hafley combines valuable experience with youth, making him an excellent long-term option.
It’s very likely that Hafley will land a head coaching job in the coming offseason. With the Packers struggling under Matt LaFleur in 2025, there is even a possibility Hafley could be considered as an internal replacement if the team opts to make a change.
That said, it seems more probable that Hafley will leave Green Bay. If that happens, the Giants would be a logical landing spot for him. They should certainly take a close look at Hafley as a top candidate.
Expect to hear more about New York’s interest in Jeff Hafley moving forward. He is a name well worth monitoring as the Giants continue their coaching search.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/new-york-giants-poach-green-bay-packers-coach-11031616