Could Patrick Graham jump from the Giants to the Jets?
We’re a long way from that, but the Jets asked for permission to speak to Graham, the defensive coordinator of the Giants, about his place as head coach, according for the NFL network.
Since the Giants missed the playoffs, Graham can interview the Jets at any time.
Sign up for Giants Extra: Receive exclusive news, behind-the-scenes remarks and the ability to send text messages directly to reporters
Graham, 41, received rave reviews when debuting as a defensive coordinator for the Giants this season. The Giants finished 12th in the Pro Football Focus defensive ranking – quite impressive, considering their lack of proven defensive talent.
Graham was never a coach at any level. His only experience as a coordinator – in 2019 with the Dolphins and last season with the Giants.
Graham comes from Bill Belichick’s training tree, as does Giants coach Joe Judge, who made his East Rutherford debut last season. Graham was a 2009-15 Patriots assistant before spending two seasons as a defensive line coach for the Giants and one as a coordinator of defensive racing games for the Packers.
Ultimately, the Jets are looking – as a replacement for Adam Gase – for a coach who is more than just an offensive or defensive wizard, although that is obviously a good thing. They want, above all, a CEO type technician who can lead the entire team. Gase could never do that.
That’s what Belichick is – a CEO. And sure enough, that was a big point of discussion about Judge last year. So Graham could fill that role with the Jets?
This is what General Manager Joe Douglas must determine as he leads this search and team owner Christopher Johnson (wisely) gets out of the way and lets his GM work.
The Jets also requested permission to interview Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Therefore, they are clearly going to launch a wide network in this quest.
Receive text messages from Giants: Eliminate social media and text clutter directly with traditional copywriters. In addition, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up now for a free trial.
Thank you for trusting us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a signature.
Darryl Slater can be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip on here.