Report – Giants Hire Patrick Graham for Defensive Line Coach

Patrick Graham (in blue on right) – © USA TODAY Sports Images

[contentblock id=1 img=html.png]

REPORT – GIANTS HIRE PATRICK GRAHAM FOR DEFENSIVE LINE COACH…
Though not officially confirmed, ESPN and FOXSports are reporting that the New York Giants have hired Patrick Graham as the team’s new defensive line coach. Graham replaces Robert Nunn, who had coached the team’s defensive line since 2010.

The 37-year old Graham has been with the New England Patriots for the past seven seasons as a coaching assistant (2009), defensive assistant coach (2010), linebackers coach (2011, 2014-2015), and defensive line coach (2012-2013). Graham’s full bio is available in the Coaching Staff section of the website.

As previously reported, the Giants also interviewed ex-Texans defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni and ex-Chargers defensive line coach Don Johnson for the defensive line vacancy.

Thus far, the defensive coaching staff unofficially appears as follows:

• Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (with Giants 2007-2008, 2015)
• Defensive Line Coach Patrick Graham (new)
• Linebackers Coach Bill McGovern (new)
• Cornerbacks Coach Tim Walton (with team since 2015)
• Safeties Coach David Merritt (with team since 2004)

NJ.com has reported that Head Coach Ben McAdoo may hire an assistant defensive line coach in addition to a defensive line coach.

Graham is an outstanding coach. Thought he was the Pats' DC in waiting. Never heard players speak as highly of any other position coach.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 29, 2016

LIONS INTERESTED IN GIANTS DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS…
FOXSports is reporting that the Detroit Lions are interested in hiring New York Giants Director of Football Operations Matt Harriss as their new head of salary cap and contracts. Harriss has been with the Giants for 10 years. He works with Assistant General Manager Kevin Abrams on all aspects of the salary cap, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) compliance, and player contract negotiations.

QUOTES…

• Running Back Rashad Jennings on Head Coach Ben McAdoo: “I’m excited for so many reasons to have him. He’s a leader, he’s poised, he effectively knows how to communicate and control attention in a room. He’s blue-collar and you can’t help but respect it, and he’s very smart. The fact that he’s been with us the past two years means a lot because I know we’re close, and this is not something you want to blow up. This is something you want to continue to build on. The blocks are in place. I think we put the best person in place. I get a chance to sit in the meeting rooms with him every single day and hear him more than the head coach, so I know what he’s gonna bring to this team, and it’s all gonna be good stuff.”