It took him a while to get going, but once he figured out that sleeping through meetings and showing up late to practices was hindering his development, Abdul Carter's rookie season flipped on its head.
After being benched twice for conduct detrimental to the team -- which is apparently how naps are being referred to as these days -- the 22‑year‑old finally had the wake‑up call he needed to start playing like the third overall pick they drafted him to be.
A lack of accountability from former head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen practically derailed the first 12 games of Carter's career. Interim HC Mike Kafka fired Bowen after Big Blue's 34-27 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. And in a somewhat surprising move, he promoted outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen, who all but saved the Penn State standout's rookie season.
In the five games with Bullen as acting DC, Carter went from borderline historic bust to the player everyone thought he could be coming out of the draft. He's well aware of it, too. In fact, he went so far as to give the 41-year-old his full endorsement for Big Blue's open DC role:
When asked what he hopes the Giants look for in a defensive coordinator, Abdul Carter shows support for current D.C. Charlie Bullen:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) January 5, 2026
"I like Chuck... He inspires us. When he holds guys accountable, he doesn't call guys out, he calls guys up... If I had to pick a defensive… pic.twitter.com/VVPNhLpL8m
Abdul Carter publicly backs Charlie Bullen for Giants' defensive coordinator job
It should come as no surprise that the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year is publicly backing Bullen for the open DC role.
After taking over in Week 13, Carter's production skyrocketed. Take a look at the side-by-side comparison of his numbers under Bowen vs. Bullen:
Stats | Bowen (Weeks 1-12) | Bullen (Weeks 13-18) |
|---|---|---|
Tackles | 27 | 16 |
Tackles for loss | 1 | 6 |
QB hits | 12 | 11 |
Sacks | 0.5 | 3.5 |
It doesn't take a math major to figure out that he did a lot more in the five games under the interim Charlie Bullen than he ever did under the fired and much-maligned Shane Bowen.
It's too early to tell if there's interest in keeping Bullen on the staff for next season, but it's hard to ignore his immediate impact in a leadership role. The Giants have already begun setting up interviews with potential HC candidates, with Broncos DC Vance Joseph and Colts DC (and former Giants defensive backs coach) Lou Anarumo, having confirmed meetings.
If Big Blue hires a defensive-minded coach, general manager Joe Schoen might feel inclined to keep Bullen as the by-title-only defensive coordinator. After all, the two have history dating back to their days with the Miami Dolphins.
Still, it’d be foolish not to bring Bullen back in some capacity, even as the OLB coach. Not only was he instrumental in Carter's surge, but Brian Burns had a career year under his tutelage as well.