The New York Giants introduced Joe Judge as their next head coach during a press conference in East Rutherford on Thursday, and it took just seconds before it became abundantly clear to everyone why he was the man who ended up standing at the podium.
Co-owner John Mara said Judge was the “most impressive” coaching candidate he had ever interviewed in his life, and as it turned out, that likely wasn’t hyperbole.
Judge had an aura about him not seen since the days of Tom Coughlin, while he spoke like Bill Parcells. He commanded the room. He was repeatedly ahead of the questions, answering them before they were asked, while also methodically breaking down his philosophy and intent for the organization.
“There’s a question out there a lot of people are asking: Who am I?” Judge said. “What I’m about is an old-school, physical mentality. We’re going to put a product on the field that the people of this area can be proud of. We’ll punch you in the nose for 60 minutes.
“We’re going to ask these men to give everything they have, every day. We’re going to demand it.”
But don’t think Judge is the same style of old-school disciplinarian Coughlin was prior to his personality breakthrough. He also preached about the important role a coaching staff plays in not only molding better players, but preparing them as husbands, fathers and professionals for their life after football.
Ultimately, Judge wants these New York Football Giants to represent the men and women who cheer the team on a daily basis.
“I want this team to reflect this area,” Judge said. “Blue collar, hard work. It’s in your face. We’re not going to back down from anybody.”
In the end, like the Empire State Building, Judge says you can’t build a successful program by washing the windows, you do so by setting a foundation and adding a piece at a time. Accordingly, the Giants will returning to the basics on his watch, which is something the team has struggled with in recent years.
“You can’t get by with new gimmicks or new schemes and think you re-invented the wheel. The same things win football games that have always won football games. Fundamentals,” Judge said, preaching toughness and accountability.
The Judge has spoken. You may be seated.
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