With the 2025 NFL season in the rearview mirror and a new era under head coach John Harbaugh beginning, the New York Giants have turned their full attention to building out his inaugural coaching staff. The most critical and immediate vacancy is the offensive coordinator position, a search that has intensified over the past 48 hours with several high-profile names entering the conversation.
The Giants are casting a wide net, targeting experienced play-callers who can develop third-year quarterback Jaxson Dart and revitalize an offense that showed flashes but lacked consistency last season. The process is being led jointly by General Manager Joe Schoen and Coach Harbaugh, who have opted to skip events like the Senior Bowl to focus on these crucial hires.
Top-Tier Candidates Emerge Two former NFL head coaches have surfaced as serious contenders for the role. Kliff Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach and most recently an offensive analyst at the collegiate level, is reportedly a person of interest. Kingsbury's offensive philosophy, rooted in the "Air Raid" system, is known for its aggressive passing attacks and could represent a significant shift for the Giants' offensive identity.
Similarly, Brian Callahan, who previously led the Las Vegas Raiders, is also in the mix. Callahan brings a reputation for quarterback development and a more balanced offensive approach. His experience in building game plans around a young quarterback aligns with the Giants' primary objective of accelerating Dart's growth in the 2026 season.
A Deep and Varied Candidate Pool Beyond the headline names, the Giants are conducting a thorough search. The list of potential candidates includes both internal and external options, showcasing a desire to explore all avenues:
- Davis Webb: The former Giants quarterback and current offensive assistant is a known commodity within the organization and could provide continuity.
- Charlie Weis Jr.: The son of the former Notre Dame and NFL coach, Weis Jr. has gained respect for his offensive work at the college level.
- Jim Bob Cooter: Currently the passing game coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, Cooter has previous OC experience with the Detroit Lions.
- Shane Day: The former quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Chargers brings expertise in working with young passers.
- Alex Tanney: Another former Giants quarterback turned coach, Tanney is highly regarded for his football IQ and understanding of offensive schemes.
The search comes after a public slight noted by WFAN host Craig Carton, who commented on January 30 that the Giants were "embarrassed" when preferred candidate Todd Monken chose the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator position instead. This has only heightened the pressure on Schoen and Harbaugh to secure a top-tier hire.
Quarterback's Perspective Jaxson Dart, who will be the central figure in the new coordinator's plans, publicly expressed his optimism about the Harbaugh hire in an interview on January 30. "Coach Harbaugh's track record speaks for itself," Dart said. "I'm excited to learn from him and whoever we bring in to run the offense. It's all about getting better and building something here." Dart's development is the non-negotiable priority for this hire, as the Giants look to evaluate if he is the long-term franchise quarterback.
The Bigger Picture Filling the offensive coordinator role is the first major domino to fall in the Giants' 2026 offseason strategy. Once this hire is finalized, the focus will swiftly shift to the NFL Scouting Combine, free agency, and the draft. The chosen coordinator will have significant input in evaluating offensive talent and shaping the playbook during upcoming OTAs and training camp.
With the Pro Bowl marking the official end of the 2025 league calendar, the Giants' front office is fully engaged in constructing the foundation for a rebound season. The decision on offensive coordinator is expected in the coming days, setting the tone for a critical offseason in New York.