Brian Daboll and the New York Giants have a major void to fill on the coaching staff, at defensive coordinator, after Patrick Graham’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders
The New York Giants fully expected Patrick Graham to return as defensive coordinator when he lost out on the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job that he interviewed twice for, instead, Graham departs to accept the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders leaving a void on Brian Daboll’s staff.
As Daboll’s coaching staff begins to take shape following his first week as head coach of the Giants, the rookie head coach along with general manager Joe Schoen must make a successful hire as defensive coordinator. Especially given Daboll’s background as an offensive coordinator and the fact that New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has never held that role prior to his arrival in East Rutherford.
An experienced defensive coordinator with a track record of success is mandatory. Perhaps a candidate with head coaching experience would be even more valuable, to not only run the defense but also help Daboll navigate his first time in a top job.
From owner John Mara on down, the New York Giants have stressed the importance of alignment between the front office and coaching staff, which could mean Daboll’s defensive coordinator will have crossed paths with him or Schoen at some point in their careers.
Here are some potential New York Giants defensive coordinator hires:
Eric Washington – Buffalo Bills defensive line coach
Washington arrived as Buffalo’s defensive line coach in 2020, and his group became the backbone of a defense that powered the Bills to the AFC Championship Game last season and was instrumental to this year’s defense finishing No. 1 in the NFL.
Prior to arriving in Buffalo, where he spent two seasons on the same staff as Daboll, Washington spent two seasons as the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator from 2018 through 2019, so he has experience calling a defense.
Washington’s defense in Carolina ranked 19th in total defense in 2018, while holding opponents to 23.8 points per game.
With experience as a coordinator, and coaching defensive line, he might be an ideal fit on Daboll’s staff.