New York Giants coach Brian Daboll has yet to name a defensive coordinator, but his pending decision is heading toward a familiar name. The first-year head coach and former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator is leaning toward going with a popular in-house option and moving to retain defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Patrick Graham and Brian Daboll have worked together before
Daboll has explored external options, including accomplished former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, other NFL coaches, and college football assistant coaches, according to sources.
Graham previously worked with Daboll on New England’s coaching staff from 2013 to 2015. During that time, Graham was first the defensive line coach and then the linebackers coach. At the same time, Daboll was the Patriots’ tight end coach, so their two units squared off regularly in practice.
Graham has received consideration for other roles this season
Graham, 43, has interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings’ head coaching vacancy and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive coordinator job, which sources predict will be filled by promoting Teryl Austin. He also interviewed for the Giants’ head coaching job that ultimately went to Daboll. Graham is a Yale graduate with respect in league circles and by the Giants for his knowledge, schemes, and ability to teach.
“My immediate goal is to assemble a coaching staff: a strong staff that emphasizes teaching and collaboration and making sure our players are put in the position to be their best and, ultimately, to win games,’’ Daboll said during his introductory press conference. “That’s why all of us do this. To teach, to be successful, to develop talent, and to win.’’
A wealth of experience and scheme versatility
Graham gives the Giants a lot of knowledge and scheme versatility. He was previously Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator in 2019. Before that, he was the defensive line coach for the Giants between 2016 and 2017. He also served as inside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Green Bay Packers in 2018.
Last season, Graham led a defense that finished 21st in the NFL in total defense by allowing 354.8 yards per game and 11th with an average of 5.8 yards allowed per play. The Giants dealt with a lot of personnel losses due to injuries and players testing positive for COVID-19.
Tae Crowder was the Giants’ leading tackler last season with 130 tackles. He was there in place of injured linebacker Blake Martinez, who tore his ACL. Safety Xavier McKinney had a team-high 5 interceptions. Furthermore, pass rusher Azeez Ojulari finished second among all NFL rookies with 8 sacks.
A Connecticut native, Graham began his NFL coaching career with the Patriots. He spent seven years in New England, including those stints coaching the defensive line and linebackers. Graham was also a defensive lineman at Yale, sharing an Ivy League title with Brown University during his time there.