Who'll Be Giants' Next DC? (NFL)
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Who'll Be Giants' Next DC?

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Giants and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale are expected to officially part ways, as Martindale and head coach Brian Daboll are involved in a standoff that should result in a mutual breakup. Daboll will then begin searching for the Giants' next defensive coordinator.

The Giants’ defense finished 29th in rushing (132.4/game) and 26th in points allowed per contest (23.9). Martindale possesses an excellent reputation around the league, but it appears time for Daboll to appoint a fresh voice. We've identified three potential candidates.

LESLIE FRAZIER, EX-BILLS DC

Leslie Frazier was the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills for six campaigns (2017-22). A highly respected figure, Frazier added assistant head coach to his title in 2020. Daboll spent four seasons (2018-21) as Frazier's counterpart as the Bills' offensive coordinator.

Frazier spent the 2023 campaign away from football after taking a one-year sabbatical. The expectation is that Frazier hopes to return to coaching in 2024. With the defensive-minded Sean McDermott now calling Buffalo's defense, a return to the Bills doesn't project as the likely outcome for Frazier. Mutual respect, familiarity, and admiration exist between Daboll and Frazier. Once Martindale's exit is finalized, Frazier should be Daboll's first contact.

ANTONIO PIERCE, RAIDERS INTERIM HC

The Las Vegas Raiders should remove the interim title and make Antonio Pierce their next head coach. But will owner Mark Davis settle for the straightforward in a cycle that possesses so many potential splash hires for his Raiders, a list of available coaches that includes Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, and maybe Bill Belichick? Davis has always preferred to swing for the fences.

The Raiders compiled a record of 5-4 throughout Pierce's interim tenure while allowing 16 points per contest. Those five victories included a franchise-high 63-point showing versus the Los Angeles Chargers, and their first win over the Kansas City Chiefs since 2020. In Pierce's first game, he defeated Daboll's Giants 30-6. Pierce ended the Raiders’ season on a high note, defeating their AFC West rival Denver Broncos 27-14 in Week 18.

Pierce, a local legend, played for the Giants from 2005 to 2009, winning Super Bowl XLII. He would be a terrific hire for Daboll.

CHRIS HARRIS, TITANS DEFENSIVE PASSING GAME COORDINATOR

Tennessee's shocking decision to fire Mike Vrabel should make defensive passing game coordinator Chris Harris available for promotion around the league. Assuming the next coach doesn't retain Harris, his services will be in high demand. Harris doubled as the Titans' cornerbacks coach this season after an impressive stint as the Washington Commanders' defensive backs coach for three campaigns (2020-22), sharing a division with Daboll in 2022. 

Harris has received previous interest from various teams for their vacant defensive coordinator roles, including from smart franchises like the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans. Daboll and Harris don't have a personal connection I'm aware of, but Harris was still playing in the league, making the 2020 Second-Team All-Pro in 2010 with the Chicago Bears when Daboll was already coordinating offenses. If Daboll is willing to go outside his circle, Harris should be on his shortlist.



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