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New York Giants: All Signs Point to Ben McAdoo as Next Coach

By Nikhil Potpally

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo look at the playbook during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo look at the playbook during the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants: All Signs Point to Ben McAdoo as Next Coach
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defense coordinator Steve Spagnuolo works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Steve Spagnuolo

  • Previous head coaching experience
  • 10-38 record with St. Louis
  • 2015 Giants were the last ranked defense in the NFL

Doug Marrone

  • Previous head coaching experience
  • 15-17 record with Buffalo
  • Quit on Bills and left via loophole

Teryl Austin

  • No head coaching experience
  • Defensive coordinator with Lions who didn’t have same success in 2015 as 2014
  • Noticeable downgrade after loss of Ndamukong Suh
  • Minority candidate (this interview could merely be a courtesy to satisfy the Rooney Rule)

McAdoo doesn’t outshine any of these candidates, but if all things are equal with them, McAdoo could get the nod due to his familiarity and reluctance to change offenses. It would be easier to promote McAdoo over Spags coming off this season, because of how bad the defense performed (due mostly to lack of pass rushers and safeties)

McAdoo has not showed any flashes of greatness in his role as offensive coordinator.

The blowout loss against Minnesota in Week 16 should tell the front office all it needs to know about his system. Without Odell Beckham Jr, this offense is completely empty and cannot generate points. The higher completion percentages and fewer interceptions are due to the larger amount of short passes and lower downfield risks in the play calling.

This “modern” offense does not play to its quarterback’s strengths, and has not been what many thought it would be. It’s not terrible, but it still has numerous flaws. Many of the play calls are predictable, the running game is not integrated well and Shane Vereen is not utilized as much as he should be. The Giants often cannot score touchdowns in the red zone and settle for field goals, the late game play calling is horrible, there are too many 3-and-outs, etc.

When asked if coordinator McAdoo should be considered for the head coaching job on an interview with Mike Francesca on WFAN: “Yeah, I would think so,” Manning said. “I think there are some similarities between him and coach Coughlin, and their passion for football. He loves it. He loves thinking of concepts and plays, and what’s going to work, and talking about it, and going over scenarios and situations. I think he’s been a coordinator now two years. I think that’s a possibility.”

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Eli also mentions how McAdoo’s passion for football is a plus, but then again, which coach or coordinator in the NFL doesn’t have a passion for football? This isn’t a ringing endorsement for McAdoo, and could only be so that they don’t want to learn another offense yet again. Maybe he sees the leadership qualities inside the locker room that we do not see. Maybe he sees some potential in McAdoo.

I think that by rushing to hire McAdoo and by leaning towards him already that the Giants are not making a well thought out decision. His offense hasn’t been that great over the past two seasons, and received all the credit which should be attributed to Beckham. Without Beckham, this offense is nothing. The Giants would also be ruling out some viable candidates by making up their mind so fast.

Panthers’ defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and Bengals’ offensive coordinator Hue Jackson are other good candidates, but their availability depends on how long their playoff runs last. The Giants might not be in the mood to wait that long, especially if they sense that McAdoo will be hired somewhere else and rush to retain him.

I think Lovie Smith should also be interviewed by the Giants because he also brings experience and some Super Bowl experience to the table. Chip Kelly doesn’t seem logical for the Giants and other than the broadcasters and analysts, no one else is very appealing. The Giants don’t seem to be interested in any of the college coaches, and the ones of note (Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, David Shaw) aren’t interested in leaving.

Next: Osi Umenyiora's Top 5 Moments With Giants

There aren’t many outstanding coaching candidates available this year, and there are many teams looking for a new coach. Mara appears to have his mind already set on McAdoo based on the potential he sees (I don’t see where), and all signs indicate that he will replace Coughlin. McAdoo would be the easiest transition, because the offense would remain the same, and the defensive coordinator would also be retained.

Filling Coughlin’s shoes is no easy task, and Giants fans will see if McAdoo has what it takes to bring success to the franchise. If not, Mara could be looking to clean house as early as next season.

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