The New York Giants fired Ben McAdoo on Monday in a move that had become unavoidable. McAdoo — who just benched franchise legend, Eli Manning — had to go, having guided the team through what could be the Giants’ worst season since 1983. That said, with McAdoo fired, it’s time to take a look at who might replace him as head coach of this legendary franchise.
THE LEADING CONTENDERS
Josh McDaniels: McDaniels’ first stint as a head coach didn’t go all that well, but with more experience under his belt and further proof he is an offensive mastermind, the Patriots OC is once again a promising head coaching candidate. Despite McAdoo’s offensive background, the scheme was often unimaginative and opposing defenses were able to quickly figure out exactly what the Giants wanted to do on offense. With McDaniels at the helm, New York’s offense would undoubtedly rebound, and if he can get the defense back on track, McDaniels could be the right man for the job.
Steve Spagnuolo: Another former head coach, Steve Spagnuolo is taking over for McAdoo on an interim basis, but with a strong showing in these final weeks, perhaps the team will keep him around permanently. Sure, New York’s defense has been much worse this season under Spagnuolo’s watch, but they’ve also battled with injuries throughout the year. If the Giants decide to stay in-house, this is their best option.
Teryl Austin: Based on what he has been able to do in Detroit as defensive coordinator over the last several seasons, Teryl Austin should already be a head coach. That said, perhaps the perfect opportunity lies in New York for the defensive mind. Austin is a players’ coach, able to motivate his guys and earn their respect in the locker room — unlike McAdoo. If the Giants are looking to essentially hire the complete opposite of McAdoo, Austin is their man.
“STARTING FROM SCRATCH”: THE GM SEARCH
Along with head coach Ben McAdoo being fired for the New York Giants on Monday morning, Giants general manager Jerry Reese had his contract terminated. He was with the team for 11 seasons, winning two Super Bowls as the general manager of the New York Giants, but his poor recent draft picks ultimately cost him his job.
Since the Giants won their last Super Bowl, three out of six of Reese’s first round draft picks have been busts: (2012) running back David Wilson, (2015) tackle Ereck Flowers, and (2016) cornerback Eli Apple. (2013) guard Justin Pugh, (2014) wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and (2017) tight end Evan Engram were good picks.
In the second round or later since that time period, he has only drafted a handful of good players: 2014 second round pick center Weston Richburg, 2014 fifth round pick linebacker Devon Kennard, 2015 second round pick safety Landon Collins, 2016 second round pick wide receiver Sterling Shepard, and 2016 fourth round pick linebacker B.J. Goodson.
We still have to wait and see whether or not players like 2017 picks Dalvin Tomlinson (DT) second round pick, Davis Webb (QB) third round pick, Wayne Gallman (RB) fourth round pick, and Avery Moss (DE) fifth round pick pan out. If they don’t pan out, it is further proof why he got fired.
In reality, the Giants are going to need to start from scratch. New York has some pieces like Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, Landon Collins, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Whoever the new general manager is for the Giants, he is going to have to find real football players in the draft. Not only that, Reese failed to address the offensive line issues in free agency and in the draft.
It might take a couple of seasons for the Giants to be relevant again, but who could be the next general manager?
Kevin Abrams: Abrams will serve as the Giants interim general manager for the remainder of the season. However, it is most likely that he will not be the new general manager next season.
Eric DeCosta, Baltimore Ravens: He is the associate general manager for the Baltimore Ravens. DeCosta is learning behind Ozzie Newsome who is currently the Ravens general manager. The Ravens draft well defensively and that is something the Giants have always relied on in order to win championships.
Omar Khan, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are always good year in and year out because they draft well. They are a proud franchise and the Giants are missing that as of late. Khan is the Vice President of Football & Business Administration. Khan would be a reliable candidate for the Giants general manager job.
Scott Fitterer, Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks won a Super Bowl over the past couple of seasons and they made it two in a row. Fitterer was considered for some general manager openings last offseason. Fitterer is the Co-Director of Player Personnel in Seattle. The Seahawks have drafted well lately. They have found gems in the later rounds like Russell Wilson (third round) and Richard Sherman (fifth round).
Nick Caserio, New England Patriots: New England is another team that find gems in the later rounds of the NFL Draft. Caserio is the Director of Player Personnel in New England. The Patriots are a good team year in and year out.
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