Giants GM Search Likely To Continue Into 2018

The Giants have been busy this week trying to interview candidates for their vacant general manager position. However, while the team has made some progress in being able to meet face-to-face with some potential hires, sources in and around the team still expect their search to last into the new year, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (Twitter link).

Former general manager Jerry Reese had been in control of the team’s football operations since he succeeded Ernie Accorsi in January of 2007. Since this is a major change, the news isn’t a surprise given that owner John Mara‘s decision will shape the direction of the franchise for many years to come.

The team has already interviewed internal candidates, including Vice President of Player Evaluation Marc Ross and Assistant General Manager Kevin Abrams. Mara has also talked to former Panthers executive Dave Gettleman, who was the main architect of the Panthers 2015-16 Super Bowl run. In addition, the Giants spoken with ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who brings experience as the Director of Player Personnel for both the Eagles and Redskins after he was finished playing.

Chief among the responsibilities of the new general manager will be figuring out who will be the team’s next head coach after ownership relieved Ben McAdoo of his duties during the year. Current interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo may get an interview, but the team is likely to look outside the building given how bad the 2017 season has gone for all involved.

Apart from the head coach search, the new executive must decide whether to move on from franchise signal caller Eli Manning. While the two-time Super Bowl winner does have a storied history with the organization, he’ll be 37 years old next season and is clearly on the decline. Plus with a high first round pick, it would be wise for the new general manager to snatch up the team’s next franchise quarterback early in the draft.

Of course, there will be other challenges like negotiating Odell Beckham Jr.’s extension and fixing a broken offensive line. But it seems like it will take at least a few more weeks to determine what person ownership wants to be leading the charge in attacking these problems in the months to come.