Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, who had a previous NFL stint under Tom Coughlin in East Rutherford, has emerged as the early favorite to replace Pat Shurmur as the next New York Giants head coach.
Reports suggest that the Giants are enthralled with Rhule, who is equally interested in the “dream job” on the other side.
But pump those brakes, Rhule says.
Rhule told AM1660 ESPN-Central Texas radio on Monday that nothing is pending and not to believe the hype when it comes to the NFL head coaching rumors and the near certainty that he’ll be packing up and heading North soon.
“I’m getting on a plane the day after the [Sugar Bowl on Wednesday] and I’m flying to Mexico with my wife and kids,” Rhule said. “It’s not like I’m going back to Waco and meeting with people. If I wanted to go do something else – I’m going to be on the beach, or at a pool, in Cabo with my wife and kids. Just don’t believe the hype, man.”
Additional reports surfaced on Monday suggesting that Rhule held a team meeting and acknowledged to his players that there’s an NFL interest, adding that he’d be a fool not to hear out any interested parties.
As of Tuesday morning, the Giants had requested interviews with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and are scheduled to meet with Dallas Cowboys passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Kris Richard this week.
Rhule is not yet on Big Blue’s docket.
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