Ben McAdoo’s future has been on the minds of the New York Giants organization since their coaching search began. They have a desire to keep the offensive coordinator responsible for Eli Manning’s best season and continue the report he has with Odell Beckham Jr. Yet, there has been some question as to whether he is experienced enough to take the reigns from a two-time Super Bowl Champion coach.
At the outset of the search it seemed as if McAdoo was the leading candidate for head coach, but as days go by, the parameters may have narrowed. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that, “the Giants are searching for a proven head coach which right now in this climate of candidates really limits their options.”
Two coaches that meet those options are former Bills head coach Doug Marrone, who interviewed Saturday, and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith. Smith meets with the Giants Monday and through six seasons in Atlanta had a 66-46 regular season record. His playoff record is less desirable, however; he only managed one postseason win.
John Mara gave a list of qualities he’s looking for in a potential candidate on ESPN Radio New York last week. “What you look at is who have they coached with in the past, what kind of record have they had, what are their leadership qualities, how smart are they, how hungry are they?’’ Mara said. “Do you feel like they have something to prove? Is this something they’ve been waiting for their entire life and they can’t wait to get started?’’
Both Marrone and Smith fit the “something to prove” category for Mara. But they both may also be interested in keeping McAdoo on as offensive coordinator. Smith is a defensive-minded coach, but also he’s a proven head coach and manager. Marrone, while less successful as a head coach, is in the same mold as Smith.
The New York Post reported that Marrone’s plan for his coaching staff with the Giants, “would include McAdoo as his offensive coordinator and Jim Schwartz as his defensive coordinator.” Schwartz was Marrone’s defensive coordinator in Buffalo in 2014.
If McAdoo doesn’t end up as the Giants head coach, hiring either Smith or Marrone would be the next best thing for Manning. New York would continue their success on offense and get a much-needed revamp on defense, even though many would contend that it was the personnel, not Spagnuolo, that was the problem.
There’s still a question of whether McAdoo will be hired elsewhere. He interviewed with the Eagles last week and is a hot commodity due to his success with Manning and Aaron Rodgers.