The New York Giants will interview Patrick Graham for their vacant head coaching position but if that doesn’t work out, might he return as defensive coordinator?
Obviously, it’s a very fluid situation with Graham, who will also interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers for their defensive coordinator job, but the possibility exists.
Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports that Graham has at least some level of interest in returning as Giants’ DC if he does not land a head coaching job. And, of course, assuming the next head coach wants to keep him around.
The 42-year-old Graham, who will be interviewed for the Giants head coaching vacancy, is interested in staying on as the defensive coordinator under a new head coach, according to someone familiar with his thinking. And many believe the Giants would be open to his return in the right situation.
Graham has repeatedly called coaching the Giants’ defensive his “dream job,” so it stands to reason he’d be open to returning.
“You know, any time opportunities present themselves, you’re excited. Again, has a lot less to do with me and more the guys, the players here, we played decent defense as the year went on, a lot of room to grow. To me, the Giants, this is my dream job to be here as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. So I’m just happy to be here,” Graham told reporters in June.
“Goes back to my days at Notre Dame with [Giants co-director of player personnel] Tim McDonnell when I knew him, a lot of my mentors, the people that I learned football from had connection with the New York Giants. That’s important to me.”
One other aspect that made coaching the Giants’ defense Graham’s “dream job” was that he got to do it alongside his close personal friend, Joe Judge. That, obviously, will change should he return.
The Giants may have fired Judge, but two of the top head candidates are Brian Daboll and Brian Flores — both of whom have worked with Graham in the past and who have relationships with him away from football.
Graham also has big supporters in East Rutherford.
According to a team source, ownership’s feelings about Graham haven’t changed, which is a big reason why he’s getting an interview for the head coaching job — the only interview he’s been offered this cycle, so far.
Several dominoes still need to fall into place in order for Graham to remain in East Rutherford, but it’s clearly something he is considering. And something ownership has already considered.
