The Giants’ decision on a position coach may be a major clue to who becomes John Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator in New York
The New York Giants may have their sights on a new defensive coordinator for John Harbaugh.
The New York Giants’ quest to fill out their coaching staff has begun. Now that the John Harbaugh era has been ushered in, they’ll begin the process of finding their coordinators for 2026.
As reported by many Giants insiders last night, the Giants are purging most of the staff that was around under Brian Daboll. Harbaugh is likely not bringing back many of the assistants, especially on defense.
The one name that popped up from SNY’s Connor Hughes as returning is outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen, who took over as the team’s defensive coordinator after they fired Shane Bowen. And this possible return could be signalling who will be the next defensive coordinator.
Will Jim Leonhard be the Giants’ defensive coordinator?
Bullen’s direct connection to a potential Giants defensive coordinator candidate is current Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard. Bullen and Leonhard crossed paths in 2023 when they were both on the defensive staff at Illinois under Bret Bielema. Bullen was the outside linebackers coach while Leonhard was a senior defensive analyst.
While there isn’t a deep connection, that line does establish a relationship between the two. Considering Hughes’s wording that Harbaugh is interested in him returning to the new coordinator’s staff, it appears this is an intended plan. Did Harbaugh already have a conversation with Leonhard about who he’d want to keep?
Leonhard has been regarded as an elite defensive coach, mentioned for seemingly every defensive coordinator opening this cycle. While at Wisconsin from 2017 to 2022, he led one of the best defenses in college football.
As the pass game coordinator in Denver, the Broncos finished seventh in pass yards allowed per game this year. They also finished seventh in EPA per pass allowed and third in average target separation per Next Gen Stats. His other notable accomplishments include coaching the Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II, in 2024, who has also been an All-Pro for the last two seasons.
As for Bullen, keeping continuity at the best position on the team would make a lot of sense. Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux make up one of the most talented pass rush units in the NFL. Their potential was untapped due to Bowen’s poor coaching.
While there are solid options of former Ravens defensive assistants, keeping Bullen and hiring Leonhard would be a sound approach. Given how highly sought after both coaches are on the open market, it’s a testament to the value they’d bring to New York.
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