Mike Sullivan leading candidate for New York Giants offensive coordinator job

Kevin Gilbride form his position as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants and according to reports, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan is the leading candidate to replace Gilbride.

Sullivan was the quarterbacks coach under Tom Coughlin from 2010-2011 in New York before taking the Bucs’ offensive coordinator job. Prior to coaching Eli Manning and the Giants quarterbacks he was the team’s wide receivers coach for six seasons.

Manning could benefit from the return of Sullivan after a season marred by a number of interceptions in a season that was his worst as a pro.

From Sullivan’s bio:

"“Under Sullivan’s tutelage, Manning achieved two of the best seasons in the league during that time, culminating in Super Bowl XLVI MVP honors. In 2011, Manning set a single-season franchise record in completions (359) and passing yards (4,933), which also ranked as the sixth-highest mark in NFL history at that time. He was nominated to the 2012 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl and set the NFL record for most fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a season with 15. In two seasons with Sullivan as his position coach, Manning compiled the top two single-season completion totals and two of the top five passing yards and touchdown pass marks in Giants history.”"

Sullivan didn’t exactly have a sterling two seasons in Tampa, but did get a sensational rookie year out of running back Doug Martin last year and did help rookie quarterback, Mike Glennon turn the corner this season after Josh Freeman flamed out.

A return to New York would make sense for both parties and the familiarity with Coughlin and Manning could help ensure a quick transition to Sullivan who has a number of the same concepts and principles that Gilbride implemented.