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The New York Giants' head coaching search is officially underway with an initial interview list submitted to ownership by general manager Joe Schoen, who will reportedly remain at his post in 2026.
ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports that those who have spoken with the Giants about their head coaching candidates came away with the understanding that Schoen will return to the team.
The search is being led by general manager Joe Schoen. Ownership tasked him with this responsibility after firing Daboll. Multiple sources who spoke with the Giants about potential candidates came away from recent conversations believing that Schoen "is coming back" as the general manager despite a 6-27 record over the past two seasons. That is barring any last-minute change of mind by ownership or a high-level candidate who demands his own general manager.
However, Rannan cautions that things could change, as they have in recent years.
Despite each situation being unique, former Giants head coaches Ben McAdoo and Joe Judge were told they were safe. Until they weren't.
For now, Schoen has been full-steam ahead on compiling a list of candidates, which has been submitted to co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, who will ultimately make the final decision. The list has been broken down into separate parts, including two sections for the initial series of interviews.
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Per Raanan, the sections have been established as follows:
Former head coaches
The first tier on the Giants' candidate list includes former head coaches, including Mike McCarthy, Antonio Pierce, Vance Joseph, and current interim head coach Mike Kafka.
Although Kafka will be given an interview, he is not considered a serious option.
Coordinators
The second tier on the Giants' list is coordinators, which has been their preference for hire over the last several cycles. It has not worked out in their favor, which may give them cold feet in 2026.
That section includes Chris Shula, Jesse Minter, Lou Anarumo, and Jeff Hafley.
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With the exception of Minter, all of the names have been widely speculated as potential Giants options.
Outside chance
Raanan included a few names that have come up in conversation, but aren't as locked in as those listed on the first two tiers.
The "outside chance" section includes Matt Burke, Klint Kubiak, Kliff Kingsbury, and Ejiro Evero.
Wild cards
The second-to-last tier is compiled of "what-ifs." It essentially includes coaches who could shake free on Black Monday.
Who shakes free? Kevin Stefansky is a name to watch. He will attract serious interest from the Giants if he's fired by the Browns.
So too should Mike Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh or Zac Taylor if they somehow become available.
Young guns
Lastly, Raanan speculates on a few younger assistant coaches around the league who could receive a look by the Giants at some point throughout the process.
Josh McCown (46, Vikings QB coach), Grant Udinski (29, Jaguars offensive coordinator)
Don't be surprised if their names come up in some capacity during the search as well. Although both are relatively new to coaching in the NFL (McCown is in his third season; Udinski his sixth), they are considered up-and-comers in coaching circles because of their work with quarterbacks.
This does not necessarily mean McCown or Udinski would be considered potential head coaches, but perhaps garner a look at a coordinator position.
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Former Giants quarterback Davis Webb would also fit this mold.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants coaching search: Interview list includes Antonio Pierce, Mike McCarthy
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