There’s a misconception that the New York Giants’ head coaching job is not a good one because of the toxic environment under owner John Mara and GM Joe Schoen after Brian Daboll’s firing this past Monday. SNY’s Connor Hughes believes not only is that wrong, but the Giants’ job is among the best available.
Hughes mentioned the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals as jobs that are either open already or could open up, that are worse than Big Blue’s.
Hughes believes there’s even a case to be made that the Giants have a better opening than the Cincinnati Bengals, but wouldn’t commit to saying it’s a preferable opening for prospective candidates.
As Hughes notes, Schoen isn’t a factor, since he may not be around long-term. Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, an offensive line that’s been rebuilt with several recent free agent signings and draft picks, and a defense with several high-priced stars are, though.
“This is surface level thinking. Rank Giants vacancy vs other potential: MIA, CIN, CLE, TEN, CAR, ARZ,” Hughes said to a poster on X who dismissed the Giants’ opening as toxic.
“Giants behind Cincy? But cheap owner there calls into question far more concerns.
“I’ve been & continue to be critical of Schoen, but talked to six assistants who will interview for HC jobs this offseason. Asked if Schoen steers them away. None said yes.
“The QB, DL, Nabers, cash etc weigh far more than GM.”
Of the jobs available, the Titans offer far less talent and spending power, with a bottom-10-valuated franchise in a weak NFL market. New York will never have issues retaining key free agents or landing difference-makers. That problem exists in Nashville for whoever takes the Titans job.
As for the ones not available, the Dolphins are tied up in bad contracts, the Browns are perennially behind the 8-ball under center and a meddling owner in Jimmy Haslam, the Panthers have the same owners-involved-in-big-decisions problems with David Tepper, and the Cardinals have a toxic workplace under owner Michael Bidwill.
It’s not easy to succeed in East Rutherford, but it’s proven that it can be done in the 21st century. Repeatedly.
While Daboll and every predecessor since Tom Coughlin painted the job as one that’s tough to succeed in, the right guy can make it rewarding.