Many believe the New York Giants and Antonio Pierce are a perfect match.
Pierce, a former Giants linebacker and defensive captain, was fired this week as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. That has prompted folks to start connecting dots and believe Pierce could be headed back to the Giants as their defensive coordinator.
But that job is not open. Not at the moment, anyway. Shane Bowen has just completed his first year in the position and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that there is no indication the Giants plan to move on from him.
On the other side of the ball for the #Giants, I know John Mara’s comments about the defense led many to believe Shane Bowen would be fired. Can’t say for sure that won’t be the case but I’m with @NYPost_Schwartz in that there’s no indication right now they’ll make a DC change. https://t.co/uqI2VLvqQY
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 9, 2025
At his postseason presser, head coach Brian Daboll did not say whether he would make any changes to the staff but there’s been no indication that he has any plans to replace Bowen or any coaches at this point.
Giants co-owner John Mara also spoke on Monday. One of his pet peeves was the defense, which ranked 24th overall in the NFL this year.
“Quite frankly, I didn’t think our defense played very well this year at all,” Mara said. “I know that when you have an offense that performs like that, you’re putting more pressure on your defense. But we need to make improvements there.
“I’m tired of watching teams go up and down the field on us. So, I think that has to be addressed. I think we need some more depth in the offensive line. But, the number one thing, certainly, is the quarterback.”
When pressed by the media about Mara’s remarks, Daboll wrote it off as frustration.
“I wouldn’t take it as that,” he said. “You’re not happy with anything when you win three games.”
Getting back to Pierce, yes he has ties to the Giants but none to Daboll or general manager Joe Schoen. Plus he has never been a coordinator in the NFL.
Again, that doesn’t mean Bowen’s position isn’t in some jeopardy. The Giants are leaving the staff decisions in Daboll’s hands and one would think he would have made this one by now.
