An Ideal Giants Wish List Coaching Candidate
With the offseason approaching in New York, the Giants are eyeing a head coach for next season as they continue to search for long-term stability and a true identity. One name quietly gaining traction on the organization’s wish list is Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. While Freeman is not the most obvious NFL candidate, his profile fits many of the traits. Freeman is one of the Giants who should be prioritized as they continue to rebuild for next season. He's just a thought on why the Giants need to consider him before they step into next season.
Freeman has quickly established himself as one of the most respected young coaches in college football. Since taking over at Notre Dame, he has built a reputation as a culture-driven leader and a strong defensive mind. He is also an elite recruiter who knows how to connect with modern athletes, an area where Big Blue is struggling. For a Giants team that has struggled with consistency, accountability, and locker-room buy-in, those qualities matter just as much as plays.
The Giants’ issues over the past several seasons have gone beyond scheme. This roster has often looked flat, disconnected, and emotionally fragile when things go wrong. Freeman’s greatest strength may be his ability to command respect without losing relatability. Players routinely describe him as demanding but authentic, someone who sets high standards while earning trust. That kind of leadership is something the Giants have lacked.
From a football standpoint, Freeman’s defensive background is also appealing. New York has invested heavily in defense through the draft, yet the unit has consistently failed to live up to its potential. Freeman understands how to build disciplined, aggressive defenses that emphasize fundamentals, communication, and effort. In an NFC East loaded with physical offenses, that mindset would be a welcome shift.
There are a few legitimate concerns if this were to happen. This Notre Dame head coach has never coached in the NFL. Jumping directly from college head coach to an NFL rebuild, especially the Giants, is a massive leap. Managing professional egos, navigating a front office power structure, and developing an NFL quarterback are challenges he has not faced. However, the Giants may view that lack of baggage as a positive rather than a negative.
In a league increasingly driven by leadership, adaptability, and player development, Freeman represents a high-upside swing. He would not be a safe hire, but the Giants are past the point of playing it safe. The last six seasons have been a bust, and they need more time to figure themselves out. If New York is serious about building a new culture instead of recycling familiar names, Freeman is precisely the type of bold candidate they should be exploring. He is someone to keep in mind.
