It took nearly a month, but the New York Giants finally filled their defensive coordinator spot, hiring Shane Bowen to replace Wink Martindale. Bowen has some large shoes to fill from a name standpoint, as Martindale is one of the most recognizable assistant coaches in the NFL and had a good relationship with the media.
However, in his two seasons with the Giants’ Martindale’s units didn’t always perform up to snuff. He deserves a lot of credit for developing players such as Dexter Lawrence and Xavier McKinney, but there were a lot of shortcomings under his watch.
Heading into Year 3 under head coach Brian Daboll, this hiring was as important as any that has been made under his watch. This is a big year for him as he needs to right the ship and get things back on track, otherwise he risks being fired at the end of the season.
NFL News & Rumors: Brian Daboll, Shane Bowen, New York Giants Updates
The uncertainty surrounding his long-term security was a big reason many candidates ultimately didn’t receive the job. Some of the bigger names wouldn’t commit for what could be one season before the staff is overhauled in 2025.
Knowing the pressure he would be facing this season, Daboll also needed a coordinator who had experience calling plays. Ultimately, that is what gave Bowen the edge over the at least seven other candidates who interviewed for the job.
While the Giants liked a lot of the candidates, such as Denard Wilson who interviewed twice, he has no experience calling defensive plays. That is something Daboll wanted his next coordinator to have, avoiding at least one more issue heading into 2024 with a rookie playcaller.
Not only does Bowen have experience calling plays, but the Tennessee Titans were a solid group under his watch for three seasons. They excelled in red zone defense and getting off the field on third down, something the Giants certainly loved to see.
After being gashed by opponents on the ground in recent seasons, Bowen brings along a track record of being able to stop the run. In three seasons in Tennessee, the Titans ranked first, second and 13th in stopping the run.
NFL News & Rumors: Brian Daboll, Shane Bowen, New York Giants Updates
Despite having an undermanned unit in 2023, as the front office was actively attempting to rebuild, Bowen got the most out of his group. He also runs a base 3-4 scheme, which will enable the Giants to leave Lawrence at nose tackle playing over the center, where he has turned into arguably the most dominant player in the NFL.
Things will look different for the Giants in 2024 on defense and their search for a coordinator was a long one. But they are happy with who they came away with, as Bowen checks all of their boxes heading into a massive year for Daboll.
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