Ray Handley, Former Giants Coach and Super Bowl Assistant, Dies at 81
The New York Giants are in mourning following the passing of Ray Handley, a pivotal figure in the franchise’s history as both an assistant and head coach. Handley, who helped guide the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, died at the age of 81, as confirmed by his family member, Rob Handley. Details surrounding the cause of death have not yet been released.
From Assistant to Head Coach
Handley’s journey with the Giants began in 1984, when he joined the coaching staff as an assistant under the leadership of Bill Parcells. For seven seasons, he served as the team’s offensive backfield coach, playing a crucial role in the success of the Giants’ offense during a period of significant championship contention. His contributions were instrumental in the team securing Super Bowl titles, cementing his legacy within the organization.
Following Parcells’ retirement after the Giants’ second championship, Handley was promoted to head coach in 1991. This elevation represented a significant moment for Handley, offering him the opportunity to lead the team he had helped build.
A Challenging Transition
However, succeeding Parcells proved to be a formidable task. One of Handley’s earliest and most debated decisions was the naming of Jeff Hostetler as the starting quarterback over Phil Simms during the 1991 training camp. Simms had been a successful starter prior to a leg injury that allowed Hostetler to finish the Super Bowl-winning season.
The Giants finished Handley’s first season with an 8-8 record, but struggled the following year, posting a 6-10 mark. After two seasons at the helm, Handley was relieved of his duties following the 1992 season and replaced by former Denver Broncos coach Dan Reeves.
Early Coaching Career and Playing Days
Before joining the Giants, Handley honed his coaching skills as an assistant at Army, Stanford, and the Air Force Academy. Notably, he did not return to coaching after his dismissal from the Giants. Prior to his coaching career, Handley himself was a running back at Stanford University.
The passing of Ray Handley marks the loss of a dedicated coach and a significant contributor to the New York Giants’ storied history. His impact on the franchise, both as an assistant and a head coach, will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
