Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys keep New York Giants from interviewing ideal GM candidate

Will McClay is viewed by many inside the NFL as a rising star, would be a home run hire as the New York Giants general manager, but the Cowboys won’t give them a chance

New York Giants owner John Mara said Wednesday that he is heartened by and optimistic about the fact that so many executives have reached out with interest in the organization’s general manager vacancy, but a division rival has seemingly blocked a top-tier candidate from even interviewing.

Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay is viewed by those inside the league as a rising star, and most likely a future general manager.

However, McClay and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms on a new long-term contract, according to a report from ESPN’s Todd Archer, to keep him as part of the front office, and from interviewing for vacancies across the league.

"“Excellent personnel man and an even better person,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this week. “I really enjoy working with Will. I can’t say enough about him.”"

McClay would be a terrific hire for the Giants, if he were available. Especially given Dallas’ track record over the past five years of mining elite talent at value positions in the NFL Draft.

According to veteran Dallas Cowboys reporter Mike Fisher, Clay is happy with his role.

"“I’m very happy with my role with the Cowboys,” Fisher says Clay has told him. “It is family, and I want to be part of building a string of championship teams.”"

The New York Giants have already finished interviews with Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Joe Schoen and Arizona Cardinals executive Adrian Wilson.