Well, contrary to some fan belief, it would appear that Jay Glazer's initial report stating that there were tensions between Brian Daboll and Wink Martindale were correct, as the 60-year-old defensive coordinator announced his resignation Monday afternoon.
Now, with a glaring hole for the coaching staff, we're sure Daboll, Joe Schoen, and the rest of the NY Giants front office will be searching for a new defensive coordinator in the coming weeks. While there's no telling who they'll eventually pick, we have four potential candidates who we believe have a higher chance than others to get the job:
4. NY Giants DB coach Jerome Henderson
One of the most highly touted coaches from Wink Martindale's staff has to be Jerome Henderson - the job he has done with this team's secondary despite the lack of talent at times is nothing short of incredible and he could be rewarded for it. The way he's coached up guys like Jason Pinnock, who went from undrafted waiver signing to starting safety, has been incredible.
Alongside this, Henderson has taught the Giants' young corners how to properly adapt to the press-man coverage scheme that Martindale employs. This can't be easy and we have to give Henderson his props with the way he's consistently had his guys ready week in and week out.
With that in mind, it makes sense that the Giants could consider moving Henderson up the chain if they wish to make an in-house hire. He knows Martindale's system and likely won't have to change the way he coaches his players too much which could be a positive.
It makes sense that the Giants look outside the organization to hire a new coordinator. However, if they look within, there likely isn't a better option than Henderson. His 17 years of experience in the NFL has built up quite the resume that could be of use as the head of a defense.
3. Former Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier
One of the names that popped up almost immediately once Martindale resigned was that of Leslie Frazier, and it's easy to see why. Not only was Frazier an incredibly respected defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills, but his western New York experience also gained him a connection with both Schoen and Daboll, which could give him the upper hand in interviews.
While Frazier may not be my personal favorite, it's easy to see why so many are interested. Remember, just two seasons ago, when Frazier was the Bills' defensive coordinator, they had the best passing defense in the NFL, and a season later, it was still a Top 10 unit before he decided to take a break from coaching.
Now, with Frazier primed to return to the NFL, the Giants are likely going to be a top team in terms of interest. Fans may be tired of former Buffalo personnel, but Frazier could bring some much-needed consistency and stability to the defense.
2. NY Giants defensive line coach Andre Patterson
Another in-house option the Giants may consider is Andre Patterson, who has over 19 years of experience in the NFL and prior to the Giants, he coached up some pretty elite talent with the Vikings. Now, Patterson most recently helped turn Dexter Lawrence from an above average nose tackle to arguably the most dominant defensive player in the NFL.
Patterson previously spent time as the co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Vikings, so he has experience as more than a defensive line specialist. Regardless, Patterson has been coaching football in general for over 40 years now and has experience at every level. This is something the Giants could use to help coach up some of their younger players.
Lawrence, Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph, and Dalvin Tomlinson: these are just some of the premier defensive linemen Patterson has helped coach to great success during his recent tenures with the Vikings and Giants. This is a pretty elite track record and something Schoen must consider in the hiring process.
1. Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce
If, for some silly reason, the Raiders opt to not retain Antonio Pierce as their head coach next season, we fully expect the Giants to go all in on bringing the former Super Bowl champion in to be their defensive coordinator. Pierce has clear and obvious ties to the organization and after serving as head coach, he may not want to go back to being a position coach like he was prior. This may open the door up to mutual interest in bringing the Giants legend in to be the team's new defensive coordinator.
Prior to joining the Raiders, Pierce spent time as the defensive coordinator for Arizona State, so he has experience in a higher-up position on the coaching tree. This, combined with the way players worked under him following his promotion to interim head coach, makes it easy to understand why so many people already want Pierce to return to New York.
Pierce spent the majority of his NFL career with the Giants, where he'd make his only career Pro Bowl, while also helping New York win the Super Bowl in 2008. Now, Pierce has the chance to return to Big Blue and help their new Super Bowl aspirations with a different generation of players eager to be coached by him. This would be a home-run hire if it happens.