Jan. 18, 2026, 8:01 a.m. ET

The New York Giants have a new head coach — John Harbaugh — and by virtue, a new coaching staff is expected to follow.

One of the major focuses will be on defense, where the Giants failed miserably under coordinator Shane Bowen last season, blowing too many late-game leads to count. They will surely be seeking a new voice with a more aggressive approach going forward.

Here are some names the Giants could be considering for defensive coordinator.

Charlie Bullen

Charlie Bullen took over the Giants’ defense in late November after Bowen was fired. He immediately made an impression, won over the players, and production took a 180-degree turn upward. He recently interviewed for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator job and is said to have a lot of support in the Giants’ building right now.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Joe Cullen

Currently, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line coach, Cullen recently interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their DC opening. He served as the Ravens’ defensive line coach (2016-2020) under Harbaugh and would be a good fit to get the Giants’ defensive front back on track.

Wink Martindale

Wink Martindale won’t likely be the guy, but there are probably a few players who would love to see him come back. His issue was not so much with the Giants as it was with Brian Daboll, so he might be open to a reunion with Harbaugh, whom he coached under for nearly a decade in Baltimore. Of course, he was fired there, too.

Dennard Wilson

Dennard Wilson was considered for the Giants’ job a few years ago but lost out to Bowen. He is another Harbaugh disciple, having coached under him in 2023. Wilson has been the DC for the Tennessee Titans for the past few seasons and is also making the rounds in this year’s wide-open and chaotic coaching carousel.

Zach Orr

Only 33, Zach Orr, a former linebacker with the Ravens turned coach, was Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons in Baltimore. He may not have the long resume the other candidates have, but his age could play to his advantage. He might be welcomed by the players.

Antonio Pierce

Many feel Antonio Pierce has a legitimate shot at the job, but right now, he’s being considered for head coaching gigs and even interviewed with the Giants. With seven jobs still open, he’s going full throttle. If Pierce doesn’t land a head coaching position, he’ll likely get a high-level assistant job with some team.

Anthony Weaver

Anthony Weaver, like Pierce, is making the head coaching rounds. He is another Harbaugh acolyte, having both played and coached under him in Baltimore. Weaver spent the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins and likely won’t be unemployed for very long. He is a riser.

Jim Leonhard

The former safety has been serving as the Denver Broncos’ assistant head coach and defensive passing game coordinator under Sean Payton. He played one season for Harbaugh back in 2008. This would be a demotion for Leonhard should he take it. Jim Leonhard will likely remain in Denver, but time will tell.