Posted on Feb 10

Former Giants coach Handley dies at 81; known for Super Bowl wins as assistant

Posted Feb 10, 2026

Ray Handley, the former head coach of the New York Giants and a two-time Super Bowl-winning assistant, has passed away at the age of 81.

Why it matters: Handley's legacy in the NFL encapsulates both remarkable achievements and poignant challenges. His time with the Giants is a reflection of the complexities faced by coaches in the high-stakes world of professional football.

Handley joined the Giants as an offensive backfield coach in 1984 and was part of the coaching staff that claimed two Super Bowl victories.
He ascended to head coach from 1991 to 1992 but struggled to maintain the success established under Bill Parcells.

What’s new: Despite his fruitful beginnings, Handley’s tenure as head coach was marred by tension and a lack of responsiveness from veteran players.

His record of 14 wins against 18 losses reflects a difficult transition period for the team post-Parcells.
Handley made headlines for benching quarterback Phil Simms in favor of Jeff Hostetler, a decision that sparked controversy among fans and analysts alike.

Between the lines: John Mara, co-owner of the Giants, reflected on Handley's coaching era, acknowledging the unique challenges he faced.

Mara noted that “Ray Handley was one of Bill's right-hand guys and was the brightest coach that we had,” emphasizing the talent that Handley brought to the organization.
However, he also pointed out that the veteran team had difficulty adjusting to a new coaching style, which contributed to the less favorable outcomes during Handley's leadership.

Yes, but: Handley’s impact extended beyond his coaching record; his decision to leave coaching altogether after being replaced speaks to the pressure and demands of the position.

After his departure from the Giants, Handley firmly stated, "No, I'm not the least bit interested. Thank you very much," when asked about returning to coaching.

The big picture: Handley’s career serves as a microcosm of the broader narratives within the NFL, where the balance between coaching strategy and player dynamics can dictate success or failure.

His background as a Stanford running back (1963-1965), where he accumulated 1,768 yards and 11 touchdowns, laid the groundwork for his understanding of the game.
Though his NFL coaching journey came to an early end, Handley's contributions to the Giants and his impact on the players and coaches around him remain significant.

The bottom line: Ray Handley leaves behind a complex legacy; his accomplishments as an assistant are overshadowed by the struggles of his brief head coaching stint, reminding us of the often unpredictable nature of sports leadership.

Former Giants coach Handley dies at 81; known for Super Bowl wins as assistant

Alex Parker

Posted Feb 10, 2026

Ray Handley, the former head coach of the New York Giants and a two-time Super Bowl-winning assistant, has passed away at the age of 81.

Handley joined the Giants as an offensive backfield coach in 1984 and was part of the coaching staff that claimed two Super Bowl victories.

He ascended to head coach from 1991 to 1992 but struggled to maintain the success established under Bill Parcells.

What’s new: Despite his fruitful beginnings, Handley’s tenure as head coach was marred by tension and a lack of responsiveness from veteran players.

His record of 14 wins against 18 losses reflects a difficult transition period for the team post-Parcells.

Handley made headlines for benching quarterback Phil Simms in favor of Jeff Hostetler, a decision that sparked controversy among fans and analysts alike.

Between the lines: John Mara, co-owner of the Giants, reflected on Handley's coaching era, acknowledging the unique challenges he faced.

Mara noted that “Ray Handley was one of Bill's right-hand guys and was the brightest coach that we had,” emphasizing the talent that Handley brought to the organization.

However, he also pointed out that the veteran team had difficulty adjusting to a new coaching style, which contributed to the less favorable outcomes during Handley's leadership.

Yes, but: Handley’s impact extended beyond his coaching record; his decision to leave coaching altogether after being replaced speaks to the pressure and demands of the position.

After his departure from the Giants, Handley firmly stated, "No, I'm not the least bit interested. Thank you very much," when asked about returning to coaching.

The big picture: Handley’s career serves as a microcosm of the broader narratives within the NFL, where the balance between coaching strategy and player dynamics can dictate success or failure.

His background as a Stanford running back (1963-1965), where he accumulated 1,768 yards and 11 touchdowns, laid the groundwork for his understanding of the game.

Though his NFL coaching journey came to an early end, Handley's contributions to the Giants and his impact on the players and coaches around him remain significant.