The New York Giants officially hired Joe Judge as their next head coach on Wednesday, meaning the erection of an entirely new staff is now underway.
Rumors and reports suggest the offensive staff is almost complete despite no names being leaked, but what about on the defensive side of the ball?
Similarly, no official names have been released, but there is increased speculation that New England Patriots defensive line coach Bret Bielema could not only find a place on Judge’s staff, but could potentially even fill out the role of defensive coordinator.
Joe Judge’s staff with the Giants remains somewhat of a mystery while he finalizes his deal, which should happen soon. But expect Patriots D-line coach Bret Bielema to be in the mix for defensive coordinator. #Giants #Patriots
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) January 8, 2020
Bielema was promoted to defensive line coach in 2019 after spending his first season in the NFL as a consultant to head coach Bill Belichick. Prior to that, Bielema served as the head coach at Arkansas (2013-2017) and head coach at Wisconsin (2006-2012).
While coaching at the college level, Bielema won Big Ten Coach of the Year (2006) and was a three-time Big Ten Champion (2010-2012). He compiled an overall record of 97-58.
Bielema also has experience running a defense, although that did not come in the NFL. From 2002-2003, he served as the assistant defensive coordinator at Kansas State before taking over as the defensive coordinator in Wisconsin from 2004-2005, eventually being promoted to head coach.
It would make sense for Judge to bring Bielema along for the ride, but do the two have enough experience at the NFL level to be successful? That would be the question.
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