The New York Post reported Saturday that the NY Giants have finally scheduled an interview with Baylor Bears head coach Matt Rhule on Tuesday…but they have competition.
The popular head coaching candidate was previously silent on NFL head coaching opportunities, saying he “certainly will be” back at Baylor in 2020. His tune must have changed quickly, however, as he scheduled interviews on Monday with the Carolina Panthers and then NY Giants on Tuesday.
Rhule had been on vacation with his family in Cabo, but must have cut it short to interview with NFL teams. What exactly changed his tune is unknown, but it is known that the job “uniquely appeals to him and tugs at his heartstrings,” and has a history with the Giants as an assistant offensive line coach with them in 2012.
The report also states that a reason Rhule may be content with going to the Giants is that Baylor has a 54th ranked recruiting class nationally via 247Sports despite being a playoff contender. This could indicate Baylor is on its way down and Rhule will want to get out before hard times hit.
As for the Giants’ competition for Rhule with the Panthers, CBS’ Jason La Confora says the feeling among NFL executives is that it is Giants or stay put at Baylor for Rhule, so he may just be testing the water with the Panthers. It is important to note Rhule turned down a request from the Cleveland Browns to interview already this offseason.
It is not the first time Rhule has had NFL interest without a doubt. The Jets were interested heavily in Rhule last offseason before hiring current head coach Adam Gase and he was among the last three candidates on the Jets’ list for the position. Rhule was interested in the Giants head coaching opening when Ben McAdoo was fired but drew no interest from the Giants then.
Now is a much different story. Both sides have a mutual interest in Rhule being the next head coach of the NY Giants and just have to step out on that first date. Big Blue just has to click with Rhule in person and they are on the honeymoon with their next head coach.
Hopefully, a honeymoon filled with clear skies and winning, and not the thunderstorms of losing they have become accustomed to.