New York Giants: 10 Potential Defensive Coordinator Replacements For Perry Fewell
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Pepper Johnson reacts during the 2014 Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Current Position: Defensive Line Coach Buffalo Bills
Johnson is a former Giants linebacker, playing for the team from 1986-1992. He would play in the NFL until 1998 before getting into coaching in 2000.
He has been doing it ever since, being on the New England Patriots’ staff from 2000-2013 with four different titles before taking over as the defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills this season. That makes for 15 years of apprentice coaching experience for Johnson. Does that sound familiar?
It should, because that is the same route that led the Giants to finding McAdoo. Obviously the years of experience are a little different, but if they are looking to give another lesser known name a chance like they did with McAdoo, Johnson fits that bill as well as any. The 15 years of coaching experience with a staff led by Bill Belichick is as good of training as any, as Johnson undoubtedly knows what it takes to be a coach in this league and would fit in fine with a perfectionist like Coughlin.
With the success and turnaround the Giants’ offense saw under the previously unproven McAdoo, they could look to take a chance like that again on the defensive side of the ball.
Next: New York Jets Defensive Line Coach