It’s safe to say not many NFL teams are looking at former New York Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to fill any vacancies this coaching cycle. I guess that's what happens when your defense blows multiple double-digit and fourth-quarter leads, and gives up over 30 points nine times in 29 games.
However, just because one former staff member isn't getting looks doesn't mean others won't. And NFL Network's Mike Garafolo all but confirmed it on Wednesday.
According to the senior insider, former outside linebackers coach and Bowen's interim fill-in, Charlie Bullen, has been a name to circle for prospective DC positions, as well as some head coaching openings. Garafolo pointed to Bullen’s unit improving late in the season in points allowed, yardage, and takeaways as the catalyst for the intrigue.
It's great news for the 41-year-old's future employment in the league, but it's a major blow to Abdul Carter, who recently voiced his preference to have Bullen stay in East Rutherford as Big Blue's DC moving forward.
Abdul Carter is biggest loser of Charlie Bullen coaching buzz
It hasn't even been a week since Carter spoke with the media, expressing his admiration for Bullen and what he did for the defense down the stretch.
Related: Abdul Carter didn’t hold back when talking about Giants coach’s future
The results speak for themself, especially for the Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, who really turned his season around once the University of Iowa graduate, Class of '08, took over the defensive play-calling in Week 13.
Bullen was a proponent of choosing players over system, adapting his scheme to put his players in a better position to succeed rather than trying to fit square pegs into round holes. He upped Big Blue's pressure rate and simplified coverages. The player-friendly system unlocked Carter, resulting in a per-game increase in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits.
As of the writing of this article, Bullen has yet to receive an interview request for either a vacant head coaching position or a defensive coordinator opportunity, making a return to North Jersey very likely. However, all it takes is one interview to change everything. For the sake of being overdramatic, Carter's early development could very well ride on Bullen's availability.