Ray Handley, the former head coach of the New York Giants and a two-time Super Bowl-winning assistant coach, has died at the age of 81, the team confirmed Friday. His nephew, Rob Handley, publicly announced his passing and the Giants also shared tributes on social media.
Handley, remembered for his role in one of the most successful eras in Giants history, passed away on February 5, 2026. Funeral arrangements and details from the family have not yet been released.
A Coaching Career Shaped by Super Bowl Success
Born October 8, 1944, in Artesia, New Mexico, Handley made his mark in football both as a player and a coach. He played college football at Stanford University, starring as a running back before briefly signing with the American Football League’s San Diego Chargers in 1966.
Handley began coaching at his alma mater before moving into the NFL ranks. In 1984, he joined the New York Giants coaching staff under legendary head coach Bill Parcells as the offensive backfield coach. In that role, he contributed to the Giants’ preparations and strategy during two Super Bowl triumphs: Super Bowl XXI (1986 season) and Super Bowl XXV (1990 season).
His analytical mind and skill in managing game situations — especially late-game clock strategy — were cited by colleagues as key parts of the Giants’ success during this period.
Promotion to Head Coach and NFL Tenure
After the Giants’ second Super Bowl victory under Parcells, Handley was promoted to head coach in 1991, taking over a franchise coming off a championship season. He was selected ahead of assistants who later became notable NFL head coaches, including Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin.
Handley’s tenure as Giants head coach lasted two seasons (1991–1992). He finished with a 14-18 record, including an 8-8 mark in his first season and 6-10 in his second. Despite a promising start that included a Monday Night Football victory against the San Francisco 49ers, the team struggled to regain the dominance of the Parcells era, leading to his dismissal.
After leaving the NFL, Handley largely withdrew from public life and did not return to coaching at the professional level.