Now that Joe Schoen has been officially introduced at the Giants new general manager, his first order of business will be deciding on a new head coach.
That process has already begun, and making the right choice will be a crucial first step in turning the franchise around.
“The relationship between myself and the new head coach will be integral,” Schoen said at Wednesday’s introductory press conference. “We will be aligned in our vision to build the franchise and build a winning team.”
Schoen and Big Blue have their candidates, have already begun conducting interviews (and in some cases, second interviews), and have in mind the traits they want in Joe Judge’s replacement.
“First off, leadership,” Schoen said. “You have to be able to lead the team and put together a good staff. It’s imperative that you have coaches who have coached in the NFL and have a proven track record. You have to be able to develop players. We have 11 draft picks. It’s gonna be important that some of those young players may have to be major contributors for us in 22, so the willingness to play young players.
“Intelligence is important. I think being progressive in your approach…whether it’s with analytics, when to go, when not to go, when to punt, I think that’s all important…those are some of the major qualities I’m looking for as we move forward.”
New York has already interviewed Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll twice. Former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is also set to be interviewed.
“All of our candidates bring a different skillset to the table,” Schoen said. “I’m not concerned with if they’ve been a head coach or haven’t. I’m concerned with getting the best head coach for the New York Giants.”
Schoen, the former Bills assistant GM, has previous experience with two of the current candidates, including Daboll, who is a hot head coaching candidate after Buffalo’s offensive explosion through two playoff games after finishing third in the NFL in points per game during the regular season. Schoen wouldn’t dive into Daboll’s candidacy specifically, but says the biggest key will be how he and the next head coach work together in bringing the Giants out of one of the darkest five-year periods the franchise has ever endured.
“Brian Daboll, I’ve worked with,” Schoen said. “I know Dan Quinn. I’ve got a lot of respect for him. Brian Flores is coming in. I know a lot of people in Miami and have a lot of respect for him….it’s gonna be imperative that someone is in lockstep with me that I can work with and have constant communication, and we’re aligned in our vision to build a football team.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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