The New York Giants are linked to some of the top candidates on the head coaching market, but they’ll also give a look to an in-house candidate. That candidate, of course, is defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham is the most notable member of 2021’s coaching staff left standing after the firing of Jason Garrett and, more recently, Joe Judge. It looks like the Giants have at least some desire to keep Graham in the organization, because he’s set to get an interview for head coach.
The #Giants are expected to interview defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for the head coaching position, per source. Graham interviewed in last year's cycle, gets an in-house look this year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 22, 2022
Graham, of course, isn’t as highly rated as a head coaching candidate as he was during his first season with the Giants. The defense was all around better that year, giving more attention to Graham as the mind behind it. But much of this season’s regression can be explained by injuries, a bad offense, and decisions from the now-fired Dave Gettleman. Starting tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, for example, was allowed to walk in favor of spending more on the offense and Leonard Williams.
The Giants aren’t the only team intrigued by what Graham could do when not held back by many of the factors that saw the defense take a step back in 2021. Graham has also been linked to interest from the Vikings, who still have yet to choose a GM. It makes sense that the Giants are setting up an interview before other teams can, even if Graham isn’t the frontrunner for the job.
Graham turned down interest from the Jets last year but hasn’t shied away from head coaching opportunities so far this offseason. With his friend Joe Judge also getting fired this year, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if we see Graham leave if a better offer shows up.