Feb 072022
 
Don "Wink" Martindale, Baltimore Ravens (January 6, 2019)

Don “Wink” Martindale – © USA TODAY Sports

SECOND INTERVIEWS FOR DON MARTINDALE AND STEVE WILKS…
According to multiple sources, the New York Giants have interviewed both Don “Wink” Martindale and Steve Wilks for a second time, with these interviews being in person. Martindale’s second interview was on Sunday and Wilks’ second interview was on Monday. Their first interviews were held virtually last week.

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 52-year old Wilks is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Missouri. He also has served as defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2019). The Giants interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy in January 2018. After the Giants hired Pat Shurmur as head coach, Wilks became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals that year.

The Giants have virtually interviewed at least three other candidates for the defensive coordinator position, including Sean Desai, Jim Schwartz, and Teryl Austin.

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.

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 before hiring Pat Shurmur.

The 56-year old Austin has served as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. However, Austin has decided to remain with the Steelers, who are now  now promoting him to defensive coordinator. The Giants interviewed Austin for their head coaching vacancy in January 2016 before hiring Ben McAdoo.

GIANTS SIGN DAVIS WEBB AND JAMIE GILLAN…
The Giants have officially signed quarterback Davis Webb and punter Jamie Gillan to reserve/future contracts.

Webb spent most of the 2021 season on the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills, serving as the team’s #3 quarterback behind Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky. The Giants drafted Webb in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but waived in early September 2018 before the season started. The 27-year old, 6’5”, 225-pound Webb has spent time with the Giants (2017-2018), New York Jets (2018), Bills (2019-2021). His only playing time in a regular-season game came in garbage time in one game in 2021.

The 24-year old, 6’1”, 207-pound Gillan is Scottish born. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted rookie free agent after the 2019 NFL Draft. Gillan served as Cleveland’s punter for all of 2019 and 2020, as well as most of 2021. The Browns waived him in late December and he was then signed to the Practice Squad of the Buffalo Bills. In 44 regular-season games, Gillan has averaged 44.7 yards per punt (39.8 net yards per punt).

Feb 062022
 
Steve Wilks, Arizona Cardinals (December 23, 2018)

Steve Wilks – © USA TODAY Sports

GIANTS INTERVIEW STEVE WILKS FOR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR…
According to multiple sources, the New York Giants have interviewed Steve Wilks for their vacant defensive coordinator position on Sunday. The 52-year old Wilks is currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Missouri. He also has served as defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2019). The Giants interviewed him for their head coaching vacancy in January 2018. After the Giants hired Pat Shurmur as head coach, Wilks became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals that year.

The Giants have interviewed at least four other candidates for the defensive coordinator position, including Don “Wink” Martindale, Sean Desai, Jim Schwartz, and Teryl Austin.

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.

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 before hiring Pat Shurmur.

The 56-year old Austin has served as the senior defensive assistant and secondary coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. However, Austin has decided to remain with the Steelers, who are now  now promoting him to defensive coordinator. The Giants interviewed Austin for their head coaching vacancy in January 2016 before hiring Ben McAdoo.

Jan 152018
 
Matt Patricia, New England Patriots (January 13, 2018)

Matt Patricia – © USA TODAY Sports

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REPORTS – MATT PATRICIA WILL BE HIRED BY THE LIONS…
ESPN is reporting that one of the three supposedly desired New York Giants head coaching finalists – New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia – will be hired by the Detroit Lions. SI.com is also reporting that the Lions have informed their other head coaching candidates that Patricia will be their next head coach. The move cannot be officially announced until New England’s season is over.

ESPN and The Daily News had reported last week that Patricia was in fact the Giants’ preferred target. Other sources have said that it was not clear that Patricia was the favorite.

According to multiple press reports, Patricia, along with Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels and Minnesota Vikings Coordinator Pat Shurmur, are the three supposed finalists for the Giants’ job. But since the Patriots and Vikings are both still in the playoffs, no one can officially make a move. The problem for the Giants too is that Patricia (Lions), McDaniels (Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans), and Shurmur (Arizona Cardinals) are all being pursued by other teams.

If the Giants are turned down by all three candidates, the speculation in the media is that the Giants could turn back to Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks, who also interviewed with the Giants for the position along with Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Denver Broncos Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville.

LATE UPDATE: The Tennessee Titans have fired Head Coach Mike Mularkey and are also believed to be pursuing McDaniels.

KEVIN GILBRIDE SIGNS WITH THE CHICAGO BEARS…
New York Giants Tight Ends Coach Kevin M. Gilbride has joined the coaching staff of the Chicago Bears. Henry is the fifth Giants coach to depart this offseason, including Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan, Quarterbacks Coach Frank Cignetti, Jr., Wide Receivers Coach Adam Henry, and Defensive Line Coach Patrick Graham.

ARTICLES…

Jan 122018
 
Matt Patricia, New England Patriots (December 3, 2017)

Matt Patricia – © USA TODAY Sports

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REPORT – GIANTS DOWN TO MATT PATRICIA, JOSH MCDANIELS, PAT SHURMUR…
The New York Post and Newsday are reporting that the New York Giants have narrowed their head coaching search down to New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia, New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, and Minnesota Vikings Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur. The current teams for all three candidates are still in the playoffs. The Giants cannot hire any of these coaches until their season is done.

The Daily News and ESPN are reporting that Patricia is the front-runner for the position.

All three candidates are being seriously pursued by other teams. It has been long reported that the Detroit Lions are serious contenders for Patricia’s services. The Indianapolis Colts are believed to be front-runners for McDaniels. Shurmur has drawn interest from the Lions and Arizona Cardinals, with the Cardinals believed to be leading contenders for him.

The Giants interviewed three other candidates who apparently are no longer in contention. They include New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks, and Denver Broncos Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville.

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.

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.

ADAM HENRY SIGNS WITH THE CLEVELAND BROWNS…
New York Giants Wide Receivers Coach Adam Henry has joined the coaching staff of the Cleveland Browns. Henry is the fourth Giants coach to depart this offseason, including Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan, Quarterbacks Coach Frank Cignetti, Jr., and Defensive Line Coach Patrick Graham.

ARTICLES…

Jan 102018
 
Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers (September

Steve Wilks – © 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)
  • Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks (on January 9)
  • Denver Broncos Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach Eric Studesville (on January 10)

Team Chairman/Executive Vice President Steve Tisch was also present for the interview with Wilks.

As of today, no other interviews are known to have been scheduled.

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. The Detroit Lions are said to be front runners for Patricia’s services, although SI.com is reporting that Patricia favors the Giants.

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 Indianapolis Colts are also interested in McDaniels.

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. Shurmur has drawn interest from the Lions and Arizona Cardinals.

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. Wilks was scheduled to interview with the Cardinals on Wednesday and the Colts on Thursday.

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.

GIANTS COACHES MOVING ON…
Members of Ben McAdoo’s coaching staff have begun moving on to new jobs:

  • Denver Broncos have hired Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan as their quarterbacks coach.
  • Green Bay Packers have hired Giants Quarterbacks Coach Frank Cignetti, Jr. as their quarterbacks coach.
  • Green Bay Packers are interviewing Giants Defensive Line Coach Patrick Graham.

GIANTS SIGN THREE MORE TO RESERVE/FUTURES CONTRACTS…
The New York Giants have signed running back Jalen Simmons, offensive tackle Laurence Gibson, and linebacker Thurston Armbrister to reserve/futures contracts.

Simmons was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Carolina Panthers after the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent the 2016 on the Practice Squad of the Panthers and spent time in 2017 on the Practice Squads of the Panthers and San Diego Chargers. Simmons is a short, stocky running back who lacks ideal speed, but he plays with a low center of gravity and good vision.

Gibson was originally drafted in the 7th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He has spent time with the Cowboys (2015), Chiefs (2015), Falcons (2016), Bears (2016), Giants (2016), Texans (2016-2017), and Browns (2017). The Giants signed him to their Practice Squad in September 2016 and cut him a few months later in December. He has yet to play in a regular-season game. Gibson is a very athletic lineman with good height and long arms. A better testing athlete than football player so far, Gibson needs to play with more strength and power.

Armbrister was originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the 2015 NFL Draft. He has spent time with the Jaguars (2015) and Detroit Lions (2016-2017). Armbrister has played in 30 regular-season games with five starts, and has accumulated 38 tackles and one pass defense. He did not play in a regular-season game in 2017. Armbrister lacks ideal size and athleticism, but he is a good run defender with fine intangibles.

ARTICLES…

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…

Jan 012018
 
Matt Patricia, New England Patriots (September 17, 2017)

Matt Patricia – © USA TODAY Sports

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GIANTS INTERESTED IN JOSH MCDANIELS, MATT PATRICIA, STEVE WILKS…
ESPN is reporting that the New York Giants have submitted requests to interview New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels and New England Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia for the team’s head coaching vacancy. The Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, and Arizona Cardinals have also reportedly requested permission to interview Patricia.

The NFL Network is reporting that the Giants have requested to interview Carolina Panthers Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks for the team’s head coaching vacancy. The Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears are also said to be interested in Wilks. Because the Panthers play in the first-round of the playoffs on Sunday, teams cannot interview Wilks until next week, whether the Panthers win or lose.

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.

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.

DAVE GETTLEMAN TELLS GIANTS COACHES THEY ARE FREE TO LOOK FOR OTHER JOBS…
ESPN is reporting that General Manager Dave Gettleman has informed the team’s assistant coaches that they are free to look for other jobs without the Giants blocking them.

GIANTS RE-SIGN FOUR PRACTICE SQUAD PLAYERS
Although not officially announced, according to media reports the Giants have signed wide receiver Canaan Severin, defensive end Jordan Williams, cornerback Jeremiah McKinnon, and offensive/defensive lineman Kristjan Sokoli to reserve/future contracts. All four players ended the 2017 season on the team’s Practice Squad.

INTERIM HEAD COACH STEVE SPAGNUOLO…
The transcript of Steve Spagnuolo’s press conference on Monday is available in The Corner Forum while the video is available at Giants.com.

THE PLAYERS SPEAK…
Transcripts and video clips of the media sessions with the following players are available in The Corner Forum and at Giants.com:

ARTICLES…