Former Giants coach Ray Handley passed away last week at the age of 81, as announced by the team on social media. Handley’s death was confirmed by his nephew, who had previously announced it on Facebook.
Handley is remembered in New York football history for his challenging tenure following Bill Parcells’ resignation in May 1991, after leading the Giants to a second Super Bowl victory. At that time, Bill Belichick had become the Cleveland Browns’ coach, and Tom Coughlin had taken over at Boston College, leaving the role to Handley. He had been the team’s offensive backfield coach without previous experience as a coordinator or head coach.
Handley’s debut saw the Giants win against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, but difficulties followed. He struggled with the post-Super Bowl quarterback situation involving Jeff Hostetler and Phil Simms, even storming out of a press conference when pressed about it by journalist Russ Salzberg.
Media issues persisted for Handley, who also had trouble managing the locker room. The Giants ended the 1991 season with an 8-8 record, missing the playoffs after losing three of their last four games, and finished 6-10 in 1992, leading to Handley’s dismissal.
After his coaching career, Handley did not coach again at any level nor did he maintain ties with the Giants, despite being part of two championship teams. He lived a private life in Nevada, declining an interview when tracked down by a Newsday reporter in 2008.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
