The search for Tom Coughlin's replacement begins expeditiously for the New York Giants.
Co-owner John Mara told reporters Tuesday the hunt would be extensive. While he wouldn't name specific outside candidates, Mara confirmed that both Giants coordinators Ben McAdoo and Steve Spagnuolo would be interviewed for the head-coaching gig.
McAdoo, who was interviewed Tuesday, is considered a serious candidate for the top job, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Eli Manning excelled this season under McAdoo. Keeping continuity for the 35-year-old quarterback is a priority for the Giants. Manning also endorsed McAdoo on Monday.
If the offensive coordinator doesn't win the job, Mara noted that he wouldn't force a new coach to keep McAdoo on the staff.
Mara and general manager Jerry Reese will conduct the interviews and recommend a candidate for the rest of the Giants' brass and co-owner Steve Tisch.
Mara didn't dismiss the idea that the Giants could consider trading draft picks to get a coach -- i.e. Sean Payton.
"We haven't really had that discussion yet, but I wouldn't completely rule that out. There are a lot of good candidates out there," Mara said.
Rapoport also reported that the Giantshave requested to interviewBears offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Jaguars assistant head coach/offensive line coach Doug Marrone and Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.
With the Giants owning the 32nd-ranked defense in the NFL, it's interesting that Spagnuolo is getting consideration for promotion. Spags has led two of the worst defenses in NFL history in two different organizations.
When asked if giving the defensive coordinator an interview for the top gig is an indication that he approved of the job Spagnuolo did with the talent provided, Mara said: "I think he did the best he could with what he had."
While that would sound like a shot at Reese, Mara repeatedly supported the decision to keep the general manager, despite admitting there are "holes to fill" on the roster.
"I still believe that Jerry Reese is the right guy to lead us going forward," Mara said.
