The very moment the Carolina Panthers fired head coach Ron Rivera, he immediately became the top option to replace Pat Shurmur of the New York Giants. With Big Blue sitting at 2-10 on the season and co-owner Steve Tisch expressing his frustration with the team, it’s realistic to think Shurmur is on the hot seat.
“It’s been a very frustrating season,â€Â Tisch said as per Beck’s Twitter feed. “At the end of the season John Mara and I are gonna get together and discuss the future. As partners we have to be very honest with each other about where we see this team going into the 2020 season.â€
With Rivera ready to explore new challenges, the Giants become a prominent destination given their struggles and his familiarity with general manager, Dave Gettleman. Upon Rivera’s firing, numerous players spoke out to advocate for the coach, one of them being tight end, Greg Olsen.
On the day I was traded to the @Panthers in 2011, every player who played for Ron in Chicago said the same thing to me on my way out. “You are going to play for a great coach, but a better man”.
I am so proud to have shared this 9 yr journey together with you @RiverboatRonHC
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) December 4, 2019
The Giants would benefit significantly from bringing in a proven coach who took the Panthers to three consecutive playoffs and a Super Bowl appearance. However, John Mara and Tisch will need to consider Shurmur’s connection with rookie passer Daniel Jones, who has benefited from his presence.
The deciding factor, in my opinion, is everything else, from time management to incorrect personnel on the field at any given time. Rivera doesn’t tolerate these types of mental mistakes and has helped his team to five wins with an undrafted quarterback in Kyle Allen running the show.
He would be an instant upgrade over Shurmur in every capacity. Worrying about the development of Jones shouldn’t be an issue, who’s first season was littered with turnovers and rookie moments. Ironing out those mental mishaps and helping him understand the deciphering of opposing defenses is the priority, and considering his most recent ankle injury that will keep him out for several weeks, making the coaching change now makes the most sense.
If the Giants are ready and serious about making a change, which is theoretical at the moment, Rivera is ready to make a move:
“Absolutely,†said Rivera, who was speaking at his farewell news conference Wednesday. “My intent is to coach again. I love coaching. Not just coaching because it’s about winning football games, but coaching because you have an opportunity to impact young men and people. And that’s what I want to do.â€