New York Giants news, 12/31 – Matt Rhule seems to be the clear favorite at head coach

New York Giants considering Matt Rhule for head coach.
Sep 28, 2019; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears head coach Matt Rhule during the game between the Bears and the Cyclones at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

Flashback to the 2017 season, one year before Baylor head coach and New York Giants HC candidate, Matt Rhule, took over the program — the team finished 1-11 on the year, plummeting to the bottom of the barrel in college football and proving critics right.

Fast forward to the end of 2018, Baylor finished with a 7-6 record, taking a significant step forward in their progression and establishing a culture. This past year, Baylor earned an 11-2 record, on the back of Matt Rhule, their esteemed coach, and leader. The New York Giants are in the market for a new head coach, and Rhule has quickly jumped to the front of the line, as rumors have indicated it would be his “dream job” post-Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur finished with nine total wins in two years, continuing the disappointing collapse of a once-great franchise. Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch spoke to the media on Monday morning after Shurmur’s release, advocating for GM Dave Gettleman and his transition to a more modern system. Embodying analytics and relying less on his “gut,” to be exact.

To Gettleman’s defense, he did draft generational running back Saquon Barkley and blew everyone’s mind with Daniel Jones at the 7th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Mara made sure to mention his lack of success in free agency, though, detailing his misses, but harping primarily on his draft picks.

The team will now enter the offseason with approximately $80 million in cap space, the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the heir apparent at quarterback. Some would say they’re in an advantageous position and require a true leader and coach. Shurmur didn’t seem to have it in him to overhaul the culture of the team and win with the talent Gettleman provided him.

Ideally, the New York Giants would shy away from hiring another offensive coordinator, but rather a proven head coach that has re-developed an entire program, similar to Rhule. To add to his resume, he spent the 2012 season as an assistant under Tom Coughlin, so he understands the expectations of being a member of the Giants coaching staff.

Nonetheless–

Your top news of the day:

Sam Blum – Baylor head coach Matt Rhule held team meeting to discuss interest from NFL

Anthony Rivardo – BREAKING: New York Giants Fire Head Coach Pat Shurmur

Paul Schwartz – Steve Tisch pushing for more say in Giants’ football decisions

Michael Eisen – Giants ownership explains decision to make coaching change
Dan Benton – Giants head coaching search: 15 potential candidates