3 new Giants defensive coordinator candidates emerge for Brian Daboll

After the relationship between former NY Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and the organization ended poorly, Brian Daboll is on the hunt to find a suitable replacement. The G-Men have already interviewed two candidates for the available vacancy, but more names are now being added to the list.

It was revealed on Monday that the Giants are showing interest in Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley, current defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson, and Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile.

Ansley and Daboll coached on Alabama's staff together in 2017 and coached safety Xavier McKinney, a free agent this offseason. Joe Schoen will surely discuss retaining the veteran defensive back, especially if Ansley joins the organization for next season. Ansley's connections with the Giants make him a strong candidate for the DC role.

Another defensive coordinator candidate for the Giants that comes internally is Henderson, who is the team's current DBs coach. He has been a Big Blue staff member since 2020 and has been crucial in developing the team's secondary.

Henderson also played a significant role in working with Giants' 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks, who had an outstanding rookie campaign. Henderson taking over as the Giants defensive coordinator would be a smooth transition because he understands Daboll's system.

Campanile has been with the Dolphins since 2020 as Miami's linebackers coach and was retained by current head coach Mike McDaniel when he took over in 2022. Campanile interviewed for the Dolphins' defensive coordinator job last year, but lost out to Vic Fangio.

Still, Campanile has impressed during his tenure with the Dolphins and would be an excellent fit for the Giants. He brings a lot of experience at both the professional and college levels. He's also a New Jersey native.

Which defensive coordinator candidate makes the most sense for Brian Daboll?

Baltimore Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, who was already interviewed by the team, is a viable option for the Giants to pursue as their next DC and makes a lot of sense as Martindale's successor. Wilson is considered one of the league's best pass-game coordinators and was with the Philadelphia Eagles just a year ago when they led the NFL with the best pass defense.

This season, the Ravens' secondary ranks among the best in the league in the passing game, which is a significant reason for the team's success. Baltimore's defense ranks the best in expected points added, tied for second fewest touchdowns allowed, has the third most interceptions, and the second most passes defended.

While Wilson or Henderson appear to be two of the Giants' strongest candidates for the defensive coordinator position, we have to trust that Schoen and the front office will make the right decision. For now, the organization has several options to explore if the Giants want to build off the current defense's success and improve in the future.