Sources: NY Giants’ Tyke Tolbert expected to return, profile has raised

NY Giants wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator job that ultimately went to Klint Kubiak, but sources tell GMenHQ that the expectation is Tolbert will return to his same role on Joe Judge’s coaching staff in 2021.

However, as NFL Network reported Monday, Tolbert impressed during his interview with the Vikings and there is a chance that next hiring cycle the 53-year-old could be among the rising candidates for offensive coordinator vacancies.

Tolbert is well respected around the NFL, so it does seem like only a matter of time before he is given an opportunity to advance his career, which would be an encouraging step for a league that has struggled mightily with making diverse coaching hires in recent years.

Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and Tolbert were the only two coaches retained by Joe Judge from Pat Shurmur’s prior coaching staff, and while the NY Giants’ receivers struggled mightily this season, it is a bit unfair to pin the blame on Tolbert.

C.J. Board, Austin Mack, Damion Ratley, and Dante Pettis all played meaningful snaps for the Giants, an indication of the caliber of talent that Tolbert was given to work with.

The expectation is that the Giants will aim to add game-breaking talent at the offensive skill positions around Daniel Jones this offseason. If that is the case, and the NY Giants add a marquee free agent receiver and/or choose one high in April’s NFL Draft, Tolbert could see his profile rise even higher before next year’s interview season.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.