The 2016’-17’ NFL season has turned out to be a purely chaotic, turbulent rollercoaster ride and the ride just got worse for the New York Giants, as their cart has broken off from the rest and went up in complete flames.
With four games left in the regular season, the Giants have lost most of their team to injury, ruined their tenured quarterback’s’ starting record and fired both their head coach and general manager.
The Giants Search For New Leadership
So, what now?
The Giants are in desperate need of new leadership and they showed that in the firing of HC Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese, after giving word that they would not make any changes or announcements until after the season was over. Sadly, their season was already over, sitting 2-10 with a disappointed fan base and an Eli Manning betrayal on their hands.
About a week ago, McAdoo pulled the most embarrassing move in an effort to “fix” his team. Benching their 210 consecutive QB starter and two-time Super Bowl MVP, with a 13-year tenure, Eli Manning. This turned out to be the worst decision possible and if he or any other part of the leadership team, including Reese, had any common sense, they would have never made such a decision.
This ultimately sent their rollercoaster ride into a steep drop of flames.
Now, they begin the search for someone to help pull them out of the flames and hopefully, keep them at bay.
Who Is The Best Pick?
The Giants franchise is built on a passionate fan base, their Super Bowl Cinderella stories, and their emotion-packed players. It is something comparable to the story of the Green Bay Packers and the energy of Lambeau Field.
Overall, this team is a seemingly comfortable fit for any potential HC or GM looking for a team, with loads of potential. But, the Giants don’t need just anybody, they need someone who is ready to take charge, to provide inspiration, something both McAdoo and Reese lacked.
McAdoo played the blame game with Manning during a play call situation earlier this season, and Reese took the blame for the benching of Manning but didn’t bother to fight it before it happened. What a joke.
Anyways, let’s take a look at the potential GMs. It turns out, the Giants front office has some powerful connections, with assistant GM John Mara and former GM Ernie Accorsi leading the search.
The number one pick would be Dave Gettleman, the former Panthers GM who previously worked under Reese with the Giants for 14 years. He has the knowledge of the teams’ ups and downs and the wisdom of a seasoned NFL executive. Another connection, Accorsi’s lifelong friend John Dorsey, the former Chiefs GM. He had a winning record (43-21) and the wisdom needed to help turn the Giants potential into actual wins. Unfortunately, the Giants took too long to act, as the Cleveland Browns snatched Dorsey up just recently.
Another connection, Accorsi’s lifelong friend John Dorsey, the former Chiefs GM. He had a winning record (43-21) and the wisdom needed to help turn the Giants potential into actual wins. Unfortunately, the Giants took too long to act, as the Cleveland Browns snatched Dorsey up just recently.
Other candidates also include Elliot Wolf (Packers Director of Football Operations), Will McClay (Cowboys assistant personnel director), Eric DeCosta (Ravens Assistant GM), Marc Ross (Giants draft boss), and the list goes on.
On the other hand, HC candidates range from almost untouchable to just within reach. Just up the road in New England, Patriots offensive coach Josh McDaniels, is a great option with connections to legendary coach Bill Belichick and the respect of Tom Brady. Let’s consider this somewhat within reach, considering McDaniels has turned down other HC opportunities.
Another reachable pick is Mike Smith, who was considered before McAdoo was hired, and is currently the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has a winning record as a former coach of the Atlanta Falcons. He also brings wisdom and experience, having earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
The Giants front office also has the option of college coaches, David Shaw (Stanford) and Nick Saban (Alabama). Shaw has experience with the Eagles, Raiders, and Ravens and has the claimed prize of coaching Andrew Luck. Saban was called forward in 1997 and 2004 by the Giants and also has a redemption ego after failing in the NFL with the Dolphins. Considering Alabama has reached the College Football Playoffs for another consecutive year, Saban is among the untouchables.
It may have taken ultimate embarrassment and harsh firings, but the Giants are finally on the right track. The Giants have been a talent-packed, Super Bowl contending team for the past two years, they just haven’t had the right people to take them there.