3 sneaky under the radar head coach candidates that could be brilliant hires

Judge has been the leading man in the Big Apple for the Giants’ success. Most recently, the defense has been playing like one of the league’s best, posting top 10 numbers in stopping the run. That’s in large part due to the rebuild mold under Patrick Graham.

Graham joined the staff a year after working with Brian Flores and the Dolphins. Last season, the Giants defense ranked 30th in the league and couldn’t stop quarterbacks from scoring with the deep ball. New additions such as James Bradberry and Blake Martinez have been outstanding in fixing pass coverage.

More than that, Graham’s success with veteran talent has been the reason for his skyrocket surge to head coaching status. Leonard Williams is having a career year with 8 1/2 sacks and is finding his niche in the trenches. Jabrill Peppers has grown into one of the league’s rising safeties. Meanwhile, Darlin Tomlinson and Dexter Lawrence are the epitome of quality pass rushers and run stoppers.

Minority coaches have been far too long ignored in the hiring process. Graham has worked under the Patriots system but also has found success working outside of Gillette Stadium. He’s a player’s coach that gravitates to young talent and helps them develop quick.

If the Giants defense can finish the season strong, it’ll only boost his status.