The New York Giants were recently linked to a current AFC North head coach prior to the 2026 NFL season.
With one week left in the 2025 NFL regular season, the rumors surrounding the New York Giants’ head coach vacancy continue to swirl heading into the offseason.
According to an article from NFL insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, one name that could be considered an “ideal fit” for the Giants’ head coach vacancy is Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“Stefanski might be the strongest retread candidate in the eyes of many,” Folwer wrote. “The Giants would be an ideal fit. And trades of any kind are never off the table in Cleveland, but it'd be tricky trying to trade a coach who's 7-26 over the past two years.”
After spending multiple seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Stefanski was named the head coach of the Browns before the 2020 NFL season. Throughout his tenure with the struggling franchise, the 43-year-old coach managed to lead Cleveland to a 44-56 record, along with two playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023.
While his time with the Browns has been an absolute roller coaster, it’s clear that many people within the league believe that Stefanski is still an adequate head coach, especially with all the adversity he’s faced over the past five seasons.
Prior to his arrival in Cleveland, the organization went through a massive playoff drought, which Stefanski ended in his first season.
The issue with Stefanski, however, is whether or not he will be a legitimate option for the Giants’ head coach position this offseason. There have been mulitple reports that have claimed the Browns are looking for a new head coach, which could free Stefanski for another job next year.
If New York ultimately winds up with Stefanski as the team’s next head coach, he would indeed be a perfect fit for the Giants’ young offense.
With rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showing promise in his first year and both wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo set to return in 2026, the dynamic trio could truly blossom under a proven, offensive-minded head coach.
In addition to Stefanski, there could be a chance that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz could follow the head coach to his next destination. The Browns’ defense under Schwartz has been one of the best in the NFL this season, but often gets overshadowed by the lack of offensive support.