Feb 052022
 
Kevin Abrams, New York Giants (June 12, 2018)

Kevin Abrams – © USA TODAY Sports

KEVIN ABRAMS RECEIVES NEW TITLE…
The New York Giants have given Kevin Abrams a new title within the organization. He will now be the team’s senior vice president of football operations and strategy. The 50-year old Abrams had been been the Giants’ vice president of football operations and assistant general manager. As reported previously, Brandon Brown is now the team’s new assistant general manager.

“Kevin has been and will continue to be an invaluable resource for me and our staff,” General Manager Joe Schoen said. “In his new role, Kevin will be assisting with the day-to-day football operation, administration and strategy of the organization moving forward.”

GIANTS INTERVIEW TERYL AUSTIN AND JIM SCHWARTZ FOR DC…
According to multiple sources, the Giants interviewed Teryl Austin and Jim Schwartz for the team’s defensive coordinator position on Saturday.

The 56-year old Austin has served as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. In January 2016, when Austin was the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, the Giants interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy.

The 55-year old Schwartz was the senior defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans in 2021. Before that, he was the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-2020. The Giants requested permission to interview Schwartz for their head coaching vacancy in January 2018.

As previously reported, the Giants also interviewed Don “Wink” Martindale and Sean Desai on Saturday for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position.

The 58-year old Martindale served as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens since 2018. On January 21, Martindale and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh decided to mutually part ways. The Giants interviewed Martindale in early January 2020 for their head coaching vacancy before hiring Joe Judge.

The 38-year old Desai served as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears in 2021, after being promoted from safeties coach (2019-2020). He was not retained when the Bears fired Head Coach Matt Nagy.

Jan 072018
 
Pat Shurmur, Minnesota Vikings (November 6, 2016)

Pat Shurmur – © USA TODAY Sports

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GIANTS HEAD COACHING SEARCH UPDATE…
The New York Giants have officially announced that team President/CEO John Mara, General Manager Dave Gettleman, and Assistant General Manager Kevin Abrams have interviewed the following head coaching candidates:

  • New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (on January 3)
  • New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia (on January 5)
  • New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels (on January 5)
  • Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur (on January 6)

ESPN is reporting that the Giants will likely interview Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday. The Giants are also expected to interview Denver Broncos Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville soon as his previously-scheduled interview was postponed due to weather. The Giants have requested to interview Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz, but there is no word on any scheduled meeting.

The 43-year old Patricia has spent his entire professional coaching career with the Patriots (starting in 2004) and has been New England’s defensive coordinator since 2012. Some media reports indicate that Patricia is the favorite to land the head coaching job with the Detroit Lions.

The 41-year old McDaniels not only has served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator and quarterback coach (2006-2008, 2012-2017) in recent years but he also was the head coach of the Denver Broncos (2009-2010) where he compiled an 11-17 (.393) record.

In recent years, the 52-year old Shurmur has served as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach (2002-2008), St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator (2009-2010), Cleveland Browns head coach (2011-2012), Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator (2013-2015), and Vikings tight ends coach (2016). Shurmur was promoted to Vikings offensive coordinator in 2017. He also served as interim head coach for the Eagles in 2015.

The 48-year old Wilks has served as as a defensive backs coach with the Washington Redskins (2005), Chicago Bears (2006-2008), San Diego Chargers (2009-2011), and Panthers (2012-2016). He was also named an assistant head coach of the Panthers in 2016 and promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017.

The 50-year old Studesville served as the Giants’ running back coach under Head Coach Jim Fassel (2001-2003) before going on to hold the same position with the Buffalo Bills (2004-2009) and Broncos (2010-2017). Studesville also served as interim head coach of the Broncos for four games in 2010 and became an assistant head coach in 2017.

The 51-year old Schwartz has served as the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans (2001-2008), head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009-2013), defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills (2014), and defensive coordinator of the Eagles (2016-2017) in recent years. He was 29–51 (.363) in the regular season and 0-1 in the post-season as Detroit’s head coach.

NY POST INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL MANAGER DAVE GETTLEMAN…
Dave Gettleman talks Giants rebuild, GM influences and QB issue by Steve Serby of The New York Post

ARTICLES…

Jan 032018
 
Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots (December 11, 2017)

Josh McDaniels – © USA TODAY Sports

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GIANTS BEGIN INTERVIEWING HEAD COACHING CANDIDATES…
ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants have scheduled to interview the following head coaching candidates:

  • New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Wednesday
  • Denver Broncos Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville* on Thursday
  • New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels on Friday
  • New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia on Friday or Saturday
  • Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur on Saturday
  • Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz this weekend
  • Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks early next week

*Note: Studesville’s interview has been postponed until next week due to inclement weather.

The 50-year old Studesville served as the Giants’ running back coach under Head Coach Jim Fassel (2001-2003) before going on to hold the same position with the Buffalo Bills (2004-2009) and Broncos (2010-2017). Studesville also served as interim head coach of the Broncos for four games in 2010 and became an assistant head coach in 2017.

The 41-year old McDaniels not only has served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator and quarterback coach (2006-2008, 2012-2017) in recent years but he also was the head coach of the Denver Broncos (2009-2010) where he compiled an 11-17 (.393) record.

The 43-year old Patricia has spent his entire professional coaching career with the Patriots (starting in 2004) and has been New England’s defensive coordinator since 2012.

In recent years, the 52-year old Shurmur has served as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach (2002-2008), St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator (2009-2010), Cleveland Browns head coach (2011-2012), Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator (2013-2015), and Vikings tight ends coach (2016). Shurmur was promoted to Vikings offensive coordinator in 2017. He also served as interim head coach for the Eagles in 2015.

The 51-year old Schwartz has served as the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans (2001-2008), head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009-2013), defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills (2014), and defensive coordinator of the Eagles (2016-2017) in recent years. He was 29–51 (.363) in the regular season and 0-1 in the post-season as Detroit’s head coach.

The 48-year old Wilks has served as as a defensive backs coach with the Washington Redskins (2005), Chicago Bears (2006-2008), San Diego Chargers (2009-2011), and Panthers (2012-2016). He was also named an assistant head coach of the Panthers in 2016 and promoted to defensive coordinator in 2017.

ARTICLES…

Dec 312017
 
Jim Schwartz, Philadelphia Eagles (November 19, 2017)

Jim Schwartz – © USA TODAY Sports

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REPORT: GIANTS INTERESTED IN JIM SCHWARTZ…
ESPN is reporting that Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz is one of the front runners – and may be the favorite – for the New York Giants’ head coaching vacancy. Schwartz is expected to interview with the Giants next week.

The 51-year old Schwartz has served as the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans (2001-2008), head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009-2013), defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills (2014), and defensive coordinator of the Eagles (2016-2017) in recent years. He was 29–51 (.363) in the regular season and 0-1 in the post-season as Detroit’s head coach.

Meanwhile, The Daily News is reporting that the Giants top head coaching candidates, in order of preference, are Josh McDaniels (New England Patriots offensive coordinator), Matt Patricia (New England Patriots defensive coordinator), Bill O’Brien (head coach of the Houston Texans), Pat Shurmur (Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator), and Schwartz.

REPORT: DAVE GETTLEMAN WILL RUN THE DRAFT…
The Daily News is reporting that New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman will not immediately replace recently-fired Vice President of Player Evaluation Marc Ross and that Gettleman will run the 2018 NFL Draft for the Giants instead. Ross had run the team’s drafts under recently-fired General Manager Jerry Reese since 2007.

The Daily News is also reporting that Gettleman is not currently planning any other changes to the front office structure of the Giants. That would suggest that Assistant General Manager Kevin Abrams, who had served as interim general manager after Reese was fired, will be retained as the team’s salary cap expert.

GIANTS WILL PICK SECOND IN THE 2018 NFL DRAFT…
Even though the New York Giants won on Sunday, they will still pick second in the 2018 NFL Draft due to the Indianapolis Colts defeating the Houston Texans 22-13. The Cleveland Browns currently have the first pick.

NEW YORK GIANTS 18 – WASHINGTON REDSKINS 10…
The New York Giants ended their historically-dreadful 2017 season with a rare win, defeating the Washington Redskins 18-10. With the victory, the Giants finished the season 3-13. It was also Steve Spagnuolo’s first victory as interim head coach.

With a hodgepodge offensive line of right tackle Adam Bisnowaty, right guard Jon Halapio, center Brett Jones, left guard John Jerry, and left tackle Chad Wheeler, the Giants rushed for 260 yards against the Redskins. Jerry suffered a concussion in the 1st quarter and was replaced early by John Greco.

The Giants out-gained the Redskins in first downs (17 to 10), total net yards (381 to 197), and net yards rushing (260 to 61). Neither team passed for over 140 net yards. The Giants also won the critical turnover battle 3-to-1.

Most of the game’s excitement came within the first seven minutes. On the second offensive snap of the game, running back Orleans Darkwa broke off a 75-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked. Then on Washington’s third offensive snap, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard intercepted quarterback Kirk Cousins at the Redskins 31-yard line and returned the ball 12 yards to the 19-yard line. Two plays later, quarterback Eli Manning hit wide receiver Hunter Sharp for a 16-yard score. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Giants were up 12-0.

Washington went three-and-out on their second possession, but the Giants gave the ball right back when Manning’s pass intended for running back Wayne Gallman was intercepted and returned to the NYG 20-yard line. Two plays later, Cousins scrambled into the end zone from 12 yards out to cut the score to 12-7 midway through the 1st quarter. Neither team would reach the end zone again.

The Giants responded with a 9-play, 70-yard drive that set up a successful 23-yard field goal by place kicker Aldrick Rosas. The Giants now led 15-7. The only points generated in the 2nd quarter came late when Brad Wing’s punt was returned 29 yards to the Giants’ 31-yard line with four seconds to go before halftime. On the half’s final play, Washington kicked a 49-yard field goal to make the score Giants 15 – Redskins 10.

Counting the four punts in the 2nd quarter and three in the 3rd quarter, the Giants punted the ball away seven times in a row in the game. The Giants finally extended their lead to 18-10 after a 10-play, 52-yard drive resulted in a 29-yard field goal early in the 4th quarter.

Meanwhile, the even more anemic Redskins had their seven second-half possessions result in a missed field goal, four punts, and two interceptions – one by cornerback Ross Cockrell and a second by Sheppard late that salted the game away.

Manning finished the game 10-of-28 for 132 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. His leading receiver was tight end Rhett Ellison, who had five catches for 63 yards. Darkwa rushed for 154 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Gallman chipped in with 89 yards on 15 carries.

Defensively, Sheppard (two) and Cockrell (one) had all three of the Giants turnovers on interceptions. Cockrell was also credited with four pass defenses. The Giants also had three sacks with defensive end Olivier Vernon (1.5), defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (0.5), and linebacker Devon Kennard (1.0) all getting to the quarterback.

Video highlights/lowlights are available at Giants.com.

GIANTS 2018 OPPONENTS SET…
The New York Giants will play the following teams during the 2018 NFL regular season:

Home:

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Washington Redskins
  • New Orleans Saints
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Chicago Bears

Away:

  • Dallas Cowboys
  • Philadelphia Eagles
  • Washington Redskins
  • Carolina Panthers
  • Atlanta Falcons
  • Houston Texans
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • San Francisco 49ers

INACTIVE LIST AND INJURY REPORT…
Inactive for the game were wide receiver Sterling Shepard (neck), tight end Evan Engram (rib), offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (groin), defensive end Avery Moss (hip), quarterback Geno Smith, offensive guard Damien Mama, and linebacker Akeem Ayers.

Offensive guard John Jerry (concussion) and defensive tackle Jay Bromley (ankle) left the game and did not return.

Wide receiver Roger Lewis told reporters after the game that he will be having ankle surgery.

POST-GAME REACTION…
Transcripts and video clips of post-game media sessions with Interim Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

POST-GAME NOTES…
The New York Giants’ 13 losses are a franchise record. The three victories are the team’s fewest since 1983.

The Giants finished 2-6 in MetLife Stadium, their fewest home victories since they were 1-7 in 2003.

The Giants finished 1-5 in NFC East games and 1-11 in games vs. NFC opponents.

The Giants scored 246 points, their lowest total since they scored 243 in 2003.

Running back Orleans Darkwa’s 75-yard touchdown run was the Giants’ longest run from scrimmage since November 16, 2008, when Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 77 yards vs. Baltimore (but did not score) and Darkwa’s score was the Giants’ longest touchdown run since Bradshaw’s 88-yarder in Buffalo on December 23, 2007.

Darkwa averaged 7.7 yards per carry in the game. The last Giants’ back to average at least that many yards on at least 20 carries was Tiki Barber on December 30, 2006.

The Giants scored two touchdowns in the first 2:42 of a game for the first time since the 1970 merger.

Wide receiver Hunter Sharp is the 50th different receiver to catch a regular-season touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Manning.

Manning played in his 216th regular-season game. He shares the franchise record with Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan.

Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson is the first Giants’ rookie defensive lineman to start 16 games since Barry Cofield in 2006.

WHAT’S UP NEXT…
Interim Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and select players will address the media on Monday.

Jan 092016
 
Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons (December 21, 2014)

Mike Smith – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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GIANTS TO INTERVIEW MIKE SMITH ON MONDAY…
According to multiple press reports, the New York Giants will interview former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on Monday. The 56-yeard old Smith coached the Falcons from 2008-2014, compiling a 66-46 regular season record and a 1-4 playoff record. Smith was out of football in 2015.

As reported previously, other candidates include:

  • 38-year old New York Giants Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo, who interviewed on Tuesday. McAdoo has also interviewed with the Eagles.
  • 56-year old New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who interviewed on Thursday.
  • 50-year old Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, who interviewed on Thursday. Austin has also interviewed with the Browns.
  • 37-year old Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase, who interviewed on Friday, but was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their new head coach on Saturday.
  • 51-year old Jacksonville Jaguars Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach Doug Marrone, who interviewed on Saturday. Marrone has also interviewed with the Eagles and Browns. There are conflicting media reports on whether or not Marrone would accept McAdoo as his offensive coordinator. The New York Post is reporting that Marrone would keep McAdoo as his offensive coordinator and hire Jim Schwartz as his defensive coordinator. NJ.com says one source said Marrone would “never” keep McAdoo.

All interviews have been conducted by team President/CEO John Mara and Senior Vice President/General Manager Jerry Reese.

GIANTS ASSISTANT COACHES STILL UNDER CONTRACT…
According to NJ.com, all of the New York Giants assistant coaches are still under contract and have one more year left on their existing deals. NJ.com reports that these coaches “have been allowed to loosely inquire about outside opportunities, but teams still need to ask for permission to have an official interview.”

ARTICLES…

Jan 072015
 
Ricky Stanzi, Jacksonville Jaguars (August 28, 2014)

Ricky Stanzi – © USA TODAY Sports Images

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The New York Giants have signed quarterback Ricky Stanzi and place kicker Chris Boswell to reserve/future contracts. Stanzi and Boswell are the 13th and 14th players signed by the Giants to future/reserve contracts since the 2014 regular-season ended.

Stanzi was originally drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs waived him in August 2013 and he has since spent time with the Jaguars and Texans. He has never thrown a pass in a regular-season game. Stanzi has very good size and is a good athlete with a strong arm. Stanzi has inconsistent pocket toughness and accuracy. He will make some risky throws. Stanzi is not really a scrambling threat.

Boswell was originally signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft and spent time on the team’s practice squad. Boswell has experience both place kicking and punting. Boswell has a strong leg, which also aids him on kickoffs. He needs to improve his overall consistency.

Because of these moves, we have updated the Transactions and Roster sections of the website.

LB Mark Herzlich on ESPN Radio: The audio of Wednesday’s ESPN Radio interview with LB Mark Herzlich is available at ESPN.com.

Articles on New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Candidates: