Ranking the New York Giants Coaching Staff: Ben McAdoo’s First Crew
By Mike Luca
2. Steve Spagnuolo (Defensive Coordinator)
It’s the hire arguably warranting the most uncertainty or disapproval among the Giants faithful…or holdover, or whichever term McAdoo wishes to use.
How could Spagnuolo be retained after New York’s defense surrendered the league’s most yardage and suffered far worse situationally, when the franchise’s notion is to shed the rusting sheen of Coughlin’s and Spags’ long-gone Super Bowl glory?
Reserving continuity in the face of cleaning house lays the foundation for actual growth. Spags’ re-earning of the job is dutifully impressive, enabling trust in McAdoo’s quest to “surround himself with the right people,” per co-owner John Mara.
“You need to surround yourself with experienced people…I think he will surround himself with the right people…” – John Mara in regards to Ben McAdoo and Steve Spagnuolo
McAdoo knows well enough about needing time and breath to adapt a scheme to its players. The recognized ascension of the offense is what gave McAdoo the head coaching gig to begin with, and he’s enacting karma by rewarding Spags with the same chance.
Personnel decision-making throughout the entire defense must improve, alleviating Spagnuolo of some blame. The young players grasping his concepts now possess another offseason to more comfortably embody them, while Spags’ staff matches well-balanced experience with fresh voices.
It’s hard to be worse than what the Giants showcased on defensive possessions last season, but Spags deserves the opportunity to not plateau in second consecutive campaigns before then devising his own pink slip.
In the meantime, he’s undoubtedly the guy, with a secret weapon coming his way.
Next: New England State of Mind