The New York Giants are officially in search of a new head coach and have initiated the process by dining with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. This meeting took place on the evening of January 10, 2024, just one day after Stefanski was let go by the Browns. The dinner serves as an informal introduction ahead of a formal interview scheduled for the following day at the Giants’ facility.
This traditional approach allows the organization to foster a personal connection with candidates for significant roles. Ownership is expected to participate in the discussions during the interview process, which marks Stefanski as the first candidate to meet with the Giants in this round of interviews.
While Stefanski’s experience includes leading the Browns to the playoffs twice and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors, he is not guaranteed the position. The Giants are bound by the Rooney Rule, which mandates that they conduct at least two in-person interviews with external candidates before making a hiring decision. The scheduled interview with interim head coach Mike Kafka and a Zoom interview with Vance Joseph, the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator, do not fulfill this requirement.
The Giants’ coaching search is not solely focused on Stefanski. Other candidates, such as former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, are also in the mix, along with interest in speaking with former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Moreover, Stefanski may consider other opportunities, particularly with the Tennessee Titans, who have an opening and a promising young quarterback.
Stefanski has a longstanding connection to the Giants, as he previously established rapport with Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart during the pre-draft process. The former head coach has been on the Giants’ radar for several years; in 2018, former head coach Pat Shurmur attempted to bring Stefanski on board as offensive coordinator, but the Minnesota Vikings blocked the move at that time.
With a record of 45-56 over six seasons with the Browns, Stefanski’s tenure included notable successes that revitalized a struggling franchise. His familiarity with the New York area is also noteworthy, as his father, Ed Stefanski, served as general manager for the New Jersey Nets, allowing Kevin to spend his teenage years in close proximity to the Meadowlands.
As the Giants continue their search for a head coach, the outcome of these interviews will play a critical role in shaping the future of the franchise. The coming days will reveal whether Stefanski’s dinner conversation will lead to a more formal engagement or if the Giants will pursue other candidates.
