Chiefs’ defensive mastermind on Giants’ radar for head coach job
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo could return to New York as the Giants look to replace Brian Daboll after a disappointing 2-8 start.
The New York Giants are officially in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Brian Daboll following a disappointing 2-8 start to the 2025 season. As the search begins, one familiar name has surfaced as a potential replacement: Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Giants eye familiar face as potential head coach replacement for Brian Daboll
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Giants are considering Spagnuolo among several early candidates to “regain some of the greatness of the Tom Coughlin era.” Rapoport also mentioned Antonio Pierce and Lou Anarumo as potential options, but Spagnuolo’s connection to New York makes him a particularly intriguing fit.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: A look at why the #Giants fired coach Brian Daboll and what's next for NYG. pic.twitter.com/pRZfVcYKOH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2025
Spagnuolo, 66, spent multiple stints with the Giants organization. He first joined in 2007 as defensive coordinator, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl XLII victory over the then-undefeated New England Patriots. He later returned to serve as interim head coach in 2017 after the firing of Ben McAdoo.
Currently, Spagnuolo runs one of the NFL’s best defenses in Kansas City, allowing just 17.7 points per game, fourth-best in the league through Week 10. His leadership has played a vital role in the Chiefs’ sustained success, helping Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and company capture three Super Bowl titles since 2019.
While Spagnuolo has previously held one head coaching job, a three-year stint with the St. Louis Rams from 2009–2011, he’s largely built his reputation as one of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds.
The Giants, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistent footing since their last playoff appearance in 2022. After naming offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as interim head coach, the franchise is expected to conduct an extensive search to find Daboll’s successor.
Whether the Giants turn back to a familiar face like Spagnuolo or opt for a younger, offensive-minded candidate remains to be seen, but the veteran coach’s defensive pedigree and history of postseason success will make him a name to watch as the hiring process unfolds.
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