The Giants took down Joe Judge, firing the coach after just two seasons. New York only lost 10-23 with the lead of the former Patriots special team coach and the decision to change quickly.
The team will be looking for the 22nd head coach in its long franchise history. Since two-time Super Bowl frontman Tom Coughlin ended his tenure in 2015, the Giants have gone through Ben McAdoo, Steve Spagnuolo, Pat Shurmur and Judge in just six seasons.
Without a doubt, the Giants will once again be looking for another long-term goalkeeper for the sideline. Here are the nine best candidates to target for owners John Mara and Steve Tisch:
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Ranking Giants’ Joe Judge Substitutes
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach (age: 58)
This is no wisdom. If the Raiders can’t make it work, the Bears go in a different direction and the Dolphins really don’t care, Big Blue needs to go after the man in charge of Big Blue. Harbaugh will be successful wherever he returns to the NFL, but it has to be a qualifying draw to have a chance of winning big sooner rather than later. The Giants fit that bill and former linebacker Harbaugh should feel confident he can help Daniel Jones become a star defender.
Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs strike coordinator (age: 52)
With seven openings, this must be the year for Andy Reid’s right-hand man and key mentor Patrick Mahomes, right? The Giants are long overdue for a minority coach and Bieniemy would be the ideal candidate if you also need to improve Jones. He also has a likable personality, which is a key factor in surviving in the NFL’s most challenging media market.
Dan Quinn, Cowboys defensive coordinator (age: 51)
There seems to be more blizzard surrounding DQ’s return to head coach duties, a year removed from his time in Atlanta (including Super Bowl 51). Quinn did a great job turning the Dallas defense around. And he will also be hands down when it comes to getting more juice around Jones.
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Kellen Moore, Cowboys offensive coordinator (age: 33)
Moore also had a sharp pass on the other side of the pass for Mike McCarthy. He was considered too young for many teams in last year’s recruitment cycle, but he played much stronger after getting healthy Dak Prescott back on track in an explosive attack. Youth isn’t a concern as the former star Boise State quarterback has proven he’s matured in his years.
Brian Flores, former Dolphins head coach (age: 40)
Renting from the Bill Belichick tree doesn’t work for Judge. But Flores has done a great job helping the Miami team rebuild the oversized record of the past two seasons. The giant was able to take advantage of the Dolphins’ mistake and empower Flores. He will continue to add more defensive momentum to them, but also bring in the right staff to push Jones in the right way.
Doug Pederson, former Eagles head coach (age: 53)
The giants should stop thinking about their old self and think more about the successes of their peers. The current Cowboys are good targets, but so is Pederson, a year out of his Super Bowl 52-winning tenure in Philadelphia. There’s a good chance he could be this year’s McCarthy.
Brian Daboll, Bills offensive coordinator (age: 46)
Daboll has done a great job with Josh Allen and is getting closer to getting the opportunity he deserves. He’ll make the most of Jones’ arms and mobility and make sure the Giant upgrades everything he needs around him.
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Mike McDaniel, 49ers offensive coordinator (age: 38)
McDaniel was a shining star under Kyle Shanahan. The bright and traditional Yale graduate is also working under Quinn in Atlanta. He also has an NFC East tie, which helps Mike Shanahan in Washington. This is another strong contender with Jones.
Kevin O’Connell, Rams offensive coordinator (age: 36)
Keeping up with Jones’ theme? The hiring of assistant Sean McVay is also in the works, friends. (See Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur and – even with the disappointing Chargers ending – Brandon Staley). The Giants have a big decision for most of the people behind The Judge: get another fresh face or go with some seasoned winners.
