There’s been a lot of rumors and speculation surrounding the New York Giants’ head coaching job, and until the position is filled, it’s likely going to stay that way.
Mike Kafka is currently getting an on-the-job audition as the interim head coach, but it’s unlikely he’s kept on at season’s end.
The search is expected to be wide-ranging. Former head coaches, coordinators, and even candidates from the college ranks could all be considered.
But a recent report from NFL insider Josina Anderson pointed to a top defensive coordinator who could receive “strong consideration” from the Giants, thanks to his previous ties to general manager Joe Schoen and the organization.
Josina Anderson Links Colts DC Lou Anarumo to Giants Job
According to Anderson, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is expected to be a top candidate for the New York Giants head coaching job.
“A league source says #Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is expected to receive strong consideration for the #Giants head coach vacancy this upcoming cycle, while also emphasizing his familiarity and relationship with current general manager Joe Schoen,” wrote Anderson in a post on X.
“It remains to be seen how much said connection will influence ownership, relative to Schoen’s status, once the search is complete.”
Anarumo, a Staten Island native, is in his first year with Indianapolis after coordinating the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense from 2019 to 2024.
He was also the Giants’ defensive backs coach in 2018.
The coordinator’s ties with Schoen will reportedly be a factor,
Anarumo and Schoen are familiar with each other from their time with the Miami Dolphins in the mid-2010s, where both worked on the coaching staff and in the front office, respectively.
Their relationship could allow for cleaner communication and a shared vision between the staff upstairs and on the field, something that reportedly began to deteriorate towards the end of Brian Daboll’s tenure as head coach.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported in the spring that Schoen and Daboll began “working as separate entities” before the 2025 season began.
If Schoen is retained as general manager, it’s easy to see why he would want to hire someone he can trust and would be aligned with on roster decisions.
After all, an NFL GM doesn’t typically get the opportunity to pick a second head coach.
Could Lou Anarumo Turn the Giants’ Defense Around?
Hiring Anarumo would be a stark turnaround from the New York Giants’ last hire, the offensive guru, Daboll.
But New York’s offense isn’t the real problem right now; it’s their defense.
They’ve blown five 10-point leads so far this season, three of which came in the fourth quarter.
Anarumo knows a thing or two about overhauling a defense. He did it for the Cincinnati Bengals early on in his tenure and is doing the same for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
In 2024, the Colts gave up 361.2 yards per game under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, good for 29th in the league.
Under Anarumo, Indianapolis has improved to 21st in yards allowed, but is ranked ninth and seventh in points allowed and rushing yards allowed, respectively.
If he could come to New York and do the same, it could lead to the Giants getting back to playoff contention, given all the talent that’s already on the roster.
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