Former Giants coach Ray Handley passed away last week at the age of 81, as announced by the team on social media. His death was confirmed by his nephew. Handley is remembered in New York football history largely for his role following Bill Parcells’ resignation in May 1991, after the Giants’ second Super Bowl win. At the time, Bill Belichick had become the Cleveland Browns’ coach and Tom Coughlin was at Boston College, leading to Handley’s promotion from offensive backfield coach to head coach, despite lacking experience as a coordinator.
Handley’s tenure began with a win over the San Francisco 49ers, but challenges followed, particularly in managing the post-Super Bowl quarterback situation with Jeff Hostetler and Phil Simms. This tension was highlighted by an instance where Handley walked out of a press conference after being pressed by Channel 9’s Russ Salzberg.
Handley’s struggles with media and control over the locker room marked his leadership, resulting in an 8-8 season in 1991 and a 6-10 finish in 1992, leading to his dismissal. Afterward, Handley never returned to coaching at any level and distanced himself from the Giants despite his past contributions. He lived a private life in Nevada, refusing interview requests, including one from a Newsday reporter in 2008.
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