Former Giants Head Coach Ray Handley Dies at 81

Handley had a short but tumultuous tenure as Giants head coach in the early 1990s.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Ray Handley, who served as the head coach of the New York Giants from 1991 to 1992, has passed away at the age of 81. Handley joined the Giants as an offensive backfield coach in 1984 and was part of two Super Bowl championship teams under Bill Parcells. However, his promotion to head coach in 1991 after Parcells' resignation was rocky, as he went 14-18 in his two seasons and made controversial decisions like an open quarterback competition.

Why it matters

Handley's time as Giants head coach is remembered as a difficult period for the franchise, as the team regressed after winning two Super Bowls under Parcells. His tenure raised questions about the challenges of transitioning from an assistant coach to a head coach, as well as the importance of continuity and stability in the NFL.

The details

Handley was promoted to head coach in May 1991 after Parcells resigned due to health concerns. As a first-time head coach, Handley struggled to adapt, as the Giants had already completed the draft and set their roster before his promotion. His most famous decision was declaring an open quarterback competition between Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler, with Hostetler ultimately winning the starting job. Handley also faced issues with his defensive coordinator, Rod Rust, whose 'read-and-react' philosophy clashed with the Giants' previous 'attack' style. The Giants regressed under Handley, going 8-8 in his first season and 6-10 in his second before he was fired and replaced by Dan Reeves.

  • Handley joined the Giants as an offensive backfield coach in 1984.
  • Handley was promoted to head coach in May 1991 after Bill Parcells resigned.
  • Handley's first season as head coach was in 1991, when the Giants went 8-8.
  • Handley's second and final season as head coach was in 1992, when the Giants went 6-10.
  • Handley was fired after the 1992 season and replaced by Dan Reeves.

The players

Ray Handley

The former head coach of the New York Giants from 1991 to 1992, who had a short but tumultuous tenure with the team.

Bill Parcells

The former head coach of the New York Giants, under whom Handley served as an offensive backfield coach and won two Super Bowls.

Phil Simms

The Giants' starting quarterback in 1990 who lost his job to Jeff Hostetler after Handley declared an open competition.

Jeff Hostetler

The Giants' backup quarterback in 1990 who won the starting job over Phil Simms after Handley's open competition decision.

Rod Rust

The Giants' defensive coordinator under Handley, whose 'read-and-react' philosophy clashed with the team's previous 'attack' style.

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What they’re saying

“I think as much as anything else, it's a gut decision. I don't think one is very ahead of the other.”

— Ray Handley, Head Coach (New York Giants)

The takeaway

Handley's tenure as Giants head coach highlighted the challenges of transitioning from an assistant coach to a head coach, as well as the importance of continuity and stability in the NFL. His controversial decisions and the team's regression under his watch ultimately led to his dismissal after just two seasons.