We already know the Giants will have a new offensive coordinator in 2022.
But might head coach Joe Judge wind up having to replace two coordinators next offseason?
Judge just fired offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Senior offensive assistant Freddie Kitchens, the interim coordinator, is the leading internal candidate to take over Garrett’s job in 2022. But that doesn’t mean Kitchens is a lock to be Judge’s offensive coordinator next year.
Don’t forget, though, that Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham also has been mentioned as a potential future head coaching candidate. The Jets wanted to interview him this past offseason — before they hired Robert Saleh — but Graham declined.
Graham overachieved with the Giants’ undermanned defense last season. He hasn’t been as good this season. Nor has the Giants’ defense. But Graham remains one of the NFL’s most intriguing young coaches, at least in the eyes of many around the league.
Graham, who turns 43 in January, has a few things going for him, especially at a time when NFL teams are moving toward hiring younger head coaches.
First of all, he has that Bill Belichick background. Graham was a Patriots assistant from 2009-15. Judge was in New England from 2012-19, before the Giants hired him.
Judge made Graham his first Giants defensive coordinator last season. And despite not having a lot of talent — certainly much less than he has right now — the Giants finished 13th in Pro Football Focus’ defensive ratings. This season, they’re 26th.
Graham likes working with Judge, but perhaps he’d be more willing to jump at head coaching opportunities after this season, if the Giants continue to lose. Judge went 6-10 last season. He is 3-7 this year. Giants co-owner John Mara wants to be patient with Judge. But the reality is, he could enter next season on the hot seat, if the Giants don’t start winning soon.
So would Graham rather lock himself in to returning with a hot-seat coach, or at least take an interview with even a struggling organization like the Jets? Might as well take the interview.
NFL Network recently included Graham on its list of young, rising head coaching candidates to watch next offseason:
The Jets requested an interview with Graham for their head-coaching job in January, but he declined and signed a contract extension with the Giants that made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive coordinators. A one-time Yale defensive lineman, Graham is now in his 20th year coaching, with the past 13 being spent in the NFL (including a Super Bowl XLIX win with New England). He’s passionate, has high expectations and can be hard on players in a way that makes them love him more.
Graham will get some looks next offseason. How much will the Giants’ defensive struggles this season give teams pause? That’s a fair question. Ultimately, Graham probably wouldn’t mind returning to the Giants with his pal Judge in 2022, even if Judge is on the hot seat.
But with Garrett already gone, there’s a reasonable chance that Judge could wind up having to replace both of his coordinators for next season.
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Darryl Slater may be reached at [email protected].
