Ben McAdoo tells Peter King he “needed to be better” for Odell Beckham

In the upcoming debut column for Peter King on NBC Sports, former New York Giants coach Ben McAdoo tells the long-time sports columnist that he feels he let down star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

“I needed to be better for him personally, as a coordinator and head coach,’’ McAdoo tells King. “I was too busy trying to scheme ways to get him the ball, especially early in my time in New York, that I didn’t step back and see the big picture the way I should have.”

McAdoo was offensive coordinator for the first two seasons of Beckham’s career and head coach for the last two — until being fired with four games remaining last season.

Valentine’s View

This is interesting perspective from McAdoo, something he seemed to lack during his nearly two years as the team’s head coach. The classic photo of McAdoo is one with his face buried in his over-sized play card, oblivious to everything around him except trying to figure out the next offensive play.

That was never a good look for a head coach, and it came to symbolize the narrative that McAdoo sometimes seemed unable to grasp the full complexities of the role of a head coach and allow himself to function in the role of CEO, having an understanding of all phases of the team and all players on the roster.

Maybe this shows that he may be better prepared if he gets another opportunity.

As for King, his column debuts at NBC on Monday, July 16. It is one I know I will eagerly await.