With the Gettleman-Judge era mercifully over, it’s time to look towards the future. A listless era of New York Giants football is now in the past and it’s time to look ahead to a hopefully brighter future.
This head coach hiring process will no doubt generate a ton of interest as any New York Giants news always does. Some of the recently legalized New York sportsbooks have even posted betting odds for the position.
As one of the least successful franchises in recent football history, it’s time for the G-Men to turn the ship around. That means new leadership in the front office and on the field, with maybe even a new quarterback on the horizon. Picking the right captain for the ship is the crucial first step. Let’s take a look at the top candidates for the job.
- Doug Pederson, Former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach
Put the pitchforks down, everybody. We all know that Pederson’s decision to tank in his final game as rival Eagles Head Coach prevented an NFC East title for the Giants in the 2020 season, but let’s be objective.
How often is a Head Coach of a recent Super Bowl winner available on the market? Pederson led the Eagles to an improbable victory in Super Bowl 52 against Tom Brady’s Patriots, outcoaching Bill Belichick in the process. Nobody expected Philly to make that run, and Pederson constructed a gameplan to beat the Pats with Nick Foles as his quarterback.
Pederson also had Carson Wents playing at an MVP-level that season and the Colts’ results this year prove that Pederson may deserve a bit more credit than he was given for that coaching job at the time. He just may be the one that can turn Daniel Jones around.
- Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
I know, another Coach from a division rival. But, Kellen Moore has been considered one of the most attractive Head Coaching candidates all season. A young and innovative offensive mind, Moore’s name has been rumored for just about every HC vacancy, including an interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The former backup quarterback has led an explosive Cowboys offense the past few seasons, making the most of the elite talent on his side of the ball. In the second half of the season, their production has slowed, but that’s more of a regression to the mean than a real decline.
Moore’s used to working with blue-chip talent, and might be just what the Giants need to maximize the production of the Giant’s under-performing, but still very talented, playmakers like Saquon Barkley, Kadarius Toney, Kenny Golladay, and Evan Engram.
- Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Bieniemy has been considered a top candidate to become a Head Coach in the past few hiring cycles but has failed to land a top job for some reason. That could very well change this offseason.
One possible reason he could be overlooked is that he works under offensive guru Andy Reid. In the past, the head coaching success of Reid’s offensive coordinators has been a bit mixed. The aforementioned Pederson won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, but others like Matt Nagy and Brad Childress have failed to reach high levels of consistency when they got to run their own team.
Still, Bieniemy undoubtedly deserves a chance to lead his own squad. He has led the Chiefs’ offense to historic numbers the past few seasons and helped mold Patrick Mahomes into the potential all-time great he seems poised to become. At the very least, Eric Bieniemy would be an exciting hire that would invigorate a fanbase tired of losing.
- Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator
Byron Leftwich has credentials as both a coach and a player and has had the chance to work with some of the best minds in the game. The former first-round pick was a quarterback in the league for a long time and has shared a locker room with the likes of Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger as a player, and Bruce Arians and Tom Brady as a coach.
As the Bucs have built their offense around Brady the past few seasons, Arians and Brady have both praised Leftwich as being the key component. He’s been able to adapt to adding new talent and served as a communication bridge between the Head Coach and quarterback.
After winning a Super Bowl last year Leftwich has proved he has the mind and leadership ability to run his own team. Many have pointed to him as the next top coaching candidate, but only time will tell if he will get his shot this hiring cycle. I think the Giants would be wise to bring him to the Meadowlands.
- Brian Flores, Former Miami Dolphins Head Coach
It shocked the football world when the Miami Dolphins let go of Head Coach Brian Flores. After all, he led the team to a 24-25 record in his three-year stint while Miami was in rebuilding mode and is universally respected by players around the league.
Flores made some rookie mistakes, for sure. He’s a defensive-minded coach and failed to install an Offensive Coordinator who could maximize the Dolphin’s attacking talent. This should certainly be his top priority at his new stop.
Flores is considered to be the top coaching candidate this time around. He’s already interviewed with the Chicago Bears and will almost certainly find a new job quickly. It would be wise for the Giants to hire Flores while they can.
