New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll knew he had big shoes to fill at defensive coordinator after opting to part ways with Wink Martindale after just two seasons.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen. But the Giants have reportedly made a decision on a replacement. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, New York has hired former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen in the same role.
Bowen, 37, was the Titans’ defensive coordinator each of the past three seasons before being given the hook with head coach Mike Vrabel following the 2023 campaign.
The assistant led a deense that ranked sxith in points allowed in his first season back in 2021. His former Titans team then saw major regression over the past two seasons, finishing 16th in points allowed in 2023.
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New York Giants go veteran route by hiring Shane Bowen
It seems crazy to call a 37-year-old coach a veteran. But that’s what Bowen is. His NFL coaching career started with the Houston Texans as a defensive assistant back in 2016.
He lasted two seasons in Houston before being hired by the aforementioned Vrabel to be the Titans outside linebackers coach in 2018 before being promoted to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2021 season.
This was no small decision for the Giants after they finished 26th in scoring defense under Martindale last season. This unit ranked 17th the year before en route to New York earning a surprise playoff appearance.