Jason Garrett has experience. Patrick Graham has a hot resume. And Thomas McGaughey finally has a chance.
It is possible that all three Giants coordinators can be linked to senior coach vacancies as the carousel starts to spin.
Garrett is no surprise after 10 seasons as the Cowboys’ head coach. Graham is included in almost all the main candidates’ speculative lists. But don’t sleep with McGaughey, who may be one of several special team coordinators on the interview circuit, now that Giants coach Joe Judge has received positive reviews after going through the New England Patriots.
“My goal as a coach has always been to become a head coach,” said McGaughey. “I’m enjoying where I am now and learning as much as I can from Joe. He’s been amazing when it comes to learning all the different situational things and the preparation part. “
The only two active top NFL coaches with experience primarily on special teams – Judge and John Harbaugh of the Ravens – will face off on Sunday. The opportunities mainly go to offensive or defensive assistants, despite the track record of special teams of great coaches Bill Belichick, Marv Levy, Dick Vermeil and Bill Cowher.
“These two guys are breaking this stereotype, the stigma of special team coaches being unable to be top coaches,” said McGaughey before repeating one of the strengths that the Giants’ property identified in Judge. “Just understand the game and how it all fits together and have a vision and purpose for what you want to do.”
Highly respected in league circles and loved by players, McGaughey, 47, has been a coach for special NFL teams since 2002, with the exception of a three-year stint in the same role at LSU. McGaughey’s second spell with the Giants began in 2018 and Judge kept him in place – a form of high praise.
“The only thing I’ve ever learned in this coaching profession is all the jobs you pursue and never get,” said McGaughey. “Take care of what you have and the next one will jump on your lap.”
There are three main coach vacancies at the moment and others more expected for the end of the season.
“I had the opportunity to live with many good top coaches who were successful and did some good things in their careers,” said McGaughey. “When these opportunities arise, we will see what happens.”
QB Daniel Jones (hamstring / ankle) is listed as “questionable” for Sunday, but that seems just a formality, as he should start despite limited training participation. CB Darnay Holmes (knee) and LB Blake Martinez (ankle) are also questionable. Holmes has lost the last two games. WR Golden Tate will not play after a calf injury earlier in the week.
The Giants squad’s wide receiver Alex Bachman is one of the players called to simulate Ravens’ inimitable quarterback Lamar Jackson on the scouting team. Quarterbacks Joe Webb or Clayton Thorson can handle passing plays, but Jackson will be the fastest runner on the pitch and the Giants needed a creative way to give their defense a taste of their elusiveness.