Patrick Graham has signed a contract extension with the New York Giants and will remain their assistant head coach/defensive coordinator in 2021. He is not pursuing any of the league’s head coaching opportunities, reports Art Stapleton of USA TODAY and multiple others.
Patrick Graham has signed a contract extension to stay as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator of the Giants, opting to stay as Joe Judge’s right hand man despite anticipated overtures from other teams.
Graham has decided not to consider head coaching opportunities for 2021.
On Monday, the New York Jets, who had just fired Adam Gase, requested to interview Graham for their vacant head coaching position. Additional interest in Graham appeared to be picking up as well.
It was something that made several Giants players nervous.
“He did a great job this year for us,” cornerback James Bradberry told reporters on Tuesday. “He always says this league is about players and if we can’t handle the system on the field then the system is not really going to work. We have players coming back that we had this year so I’m feeling pretty strong about the season for next year.”
Linebacker Blake Martinez, who flourished under Graham, described himself as a “stage-5 clinger” and cited the movie “Wedding Crashers,” saying he would find the coach wherever he went.
“You’re not allowed to leave me,” Martinez said he told Graham. “I’m going to find you.
“It’s kind of one of those bittersweet things. I’m excited for him. He is an extremely smart coach, an extremely amazing coach, and I’m happy for him.”
Bittersweet no more. Just sweet now.
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