Latest Giants HC Rumors on Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, More Potential Candidates

Since the firing of Brian Daboll last month, the New York Giants have reportedly gathered a list of head coaching candidates from both the NFL and college ranks.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the list included Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, as well as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Mike Kafka, who had been the Giants' offensive coordinator since 2022 and is now their interim head coach, figures to be in the mix for the full-time job as well.

At 2-11, the Giants are tied with the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans for the worst record in the NFL this season.

After going 3-14 last season, there was hope for a rebound in 2025, although star wide receiver Malik Nabers being lost for the rest of the campaign just one month into the season didn't help matters.

The G-Men also started 0-3 with veteran Russell Wilson at quarterback before pivoting to rookie first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who breathed some life into the New York offense.

Rookie running back Cam Skattebo was a revelation as well, but he was lost for the season with an ankle injury.

With so many key players out, the Giants have struggled to play winning football, but the young trio of Dart, Skattebo and Nabers on offense could still make them a highly attractive job for prospective candidates.

Several highly touted NFL coordinators are on the Giants' radar, but the most intriguing name is likely that of Freeman, who recently completed his fourth full season as the head coach at Notre Dame.

Freeman has posted a 43-12 record at Notre Dame, leading the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last season.

Despite winning 10 games in a row and being in the conversation among college football's elite teams, the Irish were passed over for a CFP spot this season, finishing as the first team out of the field.

Notre Dame has long been considered one of the best jobs in college football, but Freeman felt the sting this year of the Irish not being part of a conference, as that may have contributed to them being left out of the CFP.

It is fair to wonder if that frustration could lead to Freeman considering NFL jobs, but little is known of his potential interest in doing so.

Per Russini, Freeman is expected to garner interest from multiple NFL teams, although he is under contract at Notre Dame through 2030.

If Freeman does choose to test the NFL waters, there may be few jobs as tantalizing as what the Giants can offer with young stars at every offensive skill position, plus a bevy of pass-rushers on defense, including 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter.