Following a 34-27 loss to the New York Jets in Week 10, New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur said he did not envision making any coaching staff changes during the bye week, which is something he doubled-down on during a Monday afternoon conference call.
“Having slept on it, no, I am not going to make any coaching changes,” Shurmur told reporters. “It’s important that we coach and play better, period. In terms of coaching changes during the season, I think you have to look at each one independently. Some situations they help, others they don’t.”
Although Shurmur made sure his staff knows they are safe, there’s still a belief that he could soon meet the firing squad. However, if he’s been given that indication (or anything to the contrary), he’s not spilling the beans.
“Obviously, we are less than 24 hours out from the game, this is the second time you’ve asked me this question in less than 24 hours,” Shurmur said when asked about meeting with owners. “If I would’ve had that conversation, it’s not obviously something that I would share publicly.”
While no one at the Giants will publicly address Shurmur’s job status, they are apparently talking about it in private. And unsurprisingly, Shurmur is in no danger of being fired in-season, reports Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.
A team source confirmed, though, that there were no immediate plans for ownership to either fire Shurmur or to force any staff shakeup in the wake of the Giants’ 2-9 record – at least until the end of the season.
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It’s much more likely, the source said, that the Giants will revisit Bettcher’s status after the season, especially if the rookies and young players don’t show signs of improvement in the final five games.
As for Shurmur, he seems safe for now too, and very likely into next season as well. Giants GM Dave Gettleman seems to believe the franchise is headed in the right direction and he has always been one of Shurmur’s biggest supporters. And though the final call will belong to co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, Gettleman is obviously a powerful ally for a head coach to have.
For those who have followed the Giants for decades, this shouldn’t even cause a batted eye. Firing Ben McAdoo in-season was the exception to the rule and not the rule itself — Mara has never been shy about his desire to avoid repeated shakeups.
If the Giants lose out, that could obviously sway the opinion of ownership, but even at 2-8 entering the bye week, Dave Gettleman, Pat Shurmur, James Bettcher and Mike Shula are all safe and staying put.
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