Mike Kafka is doing his best to motivate the New York Giants and prove he’s capable of changing his title from interim coach to head coach. One of his tactics has included trying to get his Giants, who are just 2-12 this season, to be more accountable for their actions on the field.
Yet, considering the Giants have gone 0-4 so far, chances are New York’s general manager Joe Schoen (if he retains his position) will be hunting for a new head coach this offseason. Reports are already filtering in on who the Giants could have at the top of their interview wish list.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is expected to be a top candidate to fill the Giants’ head coaching vacancy.
“I expect him to be among the foremost among the college candidates. As it pertains to NFL coaches, this is going to be a widespread search. Because there’s no Ben Johnson, offensive play-caller, belle of the ball type candidate in this cycle. And a lot of the head coaches are calling plays offensively as well. That really dwindles down a lot of the offensive guys.”
Mike Garafolo on Marcus Freeman/New York Giants
It feels like Freeman has been linked to potentially ditching college football for the NFL for multiple seasons now. Yet, the 39-year-old has managed to lead Notre Dame to a 38-10 record since taking over in 2021. He’s also led the Fighting Irish to a 5-2 record in bowl games.
Freeman’s specialty comes on defense, and the Giants rank 29th in points allowed this season, having fired their defensive coordinator after Week 12. With Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers entrenched as young up-and-coming franchise cornerstones on offense, the Giants may feel they have enough of a foundation to work with.
Defensively, there is also a lot of talent, including Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Abdul Carter. But they haven’t been able to be as impactful, which is where a coaching change could make a major difference.
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