5 candidates to replace Pat Shurmur as New York Giants head coach
3. Josh McDaniels
McDaniels is always an easy candidate to leave New England and take a head coaching job. His bad stint as head coach of the Denver Broncos has become a distant memory, and the black mark left by his leaving the Indianapolis Colts at the proverbial altar a couple years seems to be faded. The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers were already lined up with interest in him, and the Giants are now on the list too.
Cleveland Browns requested permission to interview Patriots’ OC Josh McDaniels for their head-coaching vacancy, per source. Panthers also expected to request interview.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2019
Giants and Panthers now have requested permission to interview Patriots' OC Josh McDaniels for their vacant HC job, per source. Browns already have requested permission as well, so that's three potential opportunities.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2019
McDaniels can be selective if or when he leaves the Patriots for a head coaching job, and nearly any team with an opening will want to talk to him. Where the Giants sit on the appeal scale among opportunities that may come his way is unclear, but Mara, chairman Steve Tisch and Gettleman have to at least try to get McDaniels in for an interview.
The history of Bill Belichick’s coaching tree when they leave that umbrella is obviously not good. But McDaniels will get another opportunity at some point, and the Giants have to throw their hat in that ring this time around.