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The early portion of the New York Giants’ search for a head coach is taking shape. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien won’t be part of the process, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that O’Brien is “likely to be back” with Houston next season.
Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who went 29-51 as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013, is expected to get the first interview. Per Schefter, Schwartz will be “a favorite — if not the favorite” for the job. The NFC East champion Eagles have a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so Schwartz will be available for an interview.
Gary Myers of the Daily News had a different take on the head coach search.
So, here's where Giants are right now. GM Dave Gettleman will not replace Marc Ross (who he fired) and will run draft and FA himself. 3 sources confirm Josh McDaniels & Matt Patricia are favorites with Bill O'Brien if fired. All 3 sources downplayed Jim Schwartz as candidate.
— Gary Myers (@garymyersNYDN) December 31, 2017
The Giants have made it clear that they want to hire a head coach with experience.
“I think, obviously, it has to be somebody who has either had head coaching experience or at least has been a coordinator for a significant period of time because I think if you don’t have that, the odds are really stacked against you,” co-owner John Mara said on Friday. “It’s not impossible for you to succeed without that, but I think the more experience that that individual has as either a head coach or as a coordinator on either side of the ball, I think is very important.”
The Giants have also said that one reason they hired Gettleman last week was so that they would be positioned to move quickly in the search for a head coach beginning Monday.