Giants’ HC Joe Judge likely safe, GM Dave Gettleman could be fired after 2021

The New York Giants have ushered in a new era in recent years, hiring general manager Dave Gettleman and later head coach Joe Judge. With Big Blue off to another 0-2 start, both men have been floated as potential candidates on the NFL hot seat.

Gettleman returned to the franchise in 2018, leading the front office after working for the Carolina Panthers. The organization hoped he would put together a team similar to the one that had success during his previous tenure with New York (1998-2012).

When things didn’t work out with Pat Shurmur, Gettleman brought in Judge. After Judge served under Bill Belichick since 2012, the Giants envisioned he would bring in a similar style. It's clear that things haven’t gone as planned.

With the Giants owning a 6-12 record since Judge took over and a 15-35 mark under Gettleman, frustration in New York is building. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently addressed the Giants’ situation, explaining where things might stand for both men down the road.

“As it stands, I think coach Joe Judge is safe. The Maras really like him, and the team’s taken steps forward under his leadership. I also think it’d be difficult for the family to stomach another coaching change. Consider this: From 1931 to 2015, from Steve Owen to Tom Coughlin, and through 85 seasons, only one coach (Ray Handley) didn’t make it into a third year. If Judge were fired, he’d be the third consecutive coach fired after just two seasons. The Giants pride themselves on organizational stability, and this would not be that.”

NFL insider Albert Breer on future of New York Giants head coach Joe Judge, via Sports Illustrated

It’s worth noting, Judge is in just the second season of a five-year contract. So, even if the Giants finished with a worse record than their mark last season (6-10), he would likely be safe. But the same can’t be said for Gettleman.

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Breer wasn’t as quick to suggest the Giants general manager would be safe. At best, there’s a possibility that the veteran executive would take a reduced role or resign from his position. But there’s also a distinct outcome the Giants could decide for him. Considering Gettleman's lack of draft success and what happened at his last stop, this might be his last shot.

Several options are possible for the Giants, including replacing Gettleman with an in-house candidate or an executive from another team who has connections with Judge. But it’s clear that if this Giants team doesn’t live up to ownership’s expectations this year, a shakeup is very possible.

The Giants are favored to beat the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, and a victory would inject some life into the franchise. But a 1-2 start would be followed immediately with matchups against the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs.

Realistically, the Giants could enter their bye week with a 3-6 or 2-7 record. If that happens, even with improvement from Daniel Jones, a change would feel inevitable.

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