For the first time in a while, there’s a real reason to be encouraged about the New York Giants. That’s because it looks like the team’s ownership really is taking a different approach this time. A key part of that different approach appears to be handing more control to whatever GM is selected in the current search.
That’s been a recurring subject for the past few years now in discussions about the Giants. Many theorize that John Mara has interfered in the team’s affairs during the later tenure of Jerry Reese and during Dave Gettleman’s time as GM, to disastrous effect. For example, the hiring of Jason Garrett as offensive coordinator is often blamed on Mara making a recommendation to Joe Judge that could be interpreted as pressure.
The current state of affairs makes the Giants a much less appealing job to top GM candidates. After all, what top candidate would risk their career to step into a situation where they may have to fight the owner to make the big changes needed to right a sinking ship?
But that state of affairs could be changing. According to Jordan Raanan, the plan is for the team’s next GM to have the power to make the needed changes.
The most encouraging thing to take from this Giants GM search: From what I've heard, they are offering carte blanche to candidates to reshape the organization. The Giants way of operating is about to change drastically no matter who is hired.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) January 19, 2022
Given the focus the Giants have had on candidates from playoff organizations, the next GM can be expected to change things for the better in a major way.
It’s clear from the records over the past 5 years that something very different is going on in the Giants organization compared to the premier teams in the league, and despite ownership originally having a more stubborn stance when it comes to making changes, it appears that a better direction is finally in store.