The New York Giants continue to surprise in their hiring choices as the team embarks on one of the most pivotal seasons in their history. New head coach Joe Judge seems to be fairly certain of what he wants on his staff and who he wants to hire.
Thus far, Judge has played it close to the best hiring former colleagues and other familiar faces. Special teams coordinator  Thomas McGaughey was an in-house holdover who is a favorite of the Giants’ front office. Wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert did an excellent job with the Giants’ wideouts this season, specifically in developing rookie Darius Slayton. Defensive line coach Freddie Roach worked with Judge on Nick Saban’s staff in Alabama a decade ago.
Outside of those three, Judge has leaned on his former New England cohorts bridging in Jerry Shuplinski to be the quarterbacks coach and Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator.
Today, we’re learning that Graham will also serve as the Giants assistant head coach. From SNY.tv:
The 40-year-old has been given both those titles by new Giants head coach Joe Judge, according to multiple sources. That’s not only a sign of the respect Judge has for his new top assistant, but it also explains why he wasn’t blocked from leaving his job as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins.
They couldn’t block Graham from leaving for a job that is technically a promotion.
Graham also will likely get a raise over the normal salary for a defensive coordinator, though the terms of his deal with the Giants were not available. It’s also unclear what other duties Judge will give his “assistant head coach.”
Graham was already employed when Judge came calling as the DC of the Miami Dolphins. The reason, as mentioned above, Â the Giants were able to lure him away from the Dolphins without asking permission was likely due to the offer being a promotion.