New York Giants fans have a history of wanting to bring back familiar faces. Arch Manning is seen as the unofficial successor to the quarterback position, and with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s job under scrutiny, many fans have started to look at potential candidates on the open market.
One of those names is Antonio Pierce, the recently-fired head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has a special connection to New York due to his role in the team’s 2007 Super Bowl victory. As a defensive-minded coach with a solid defensive record, Pierce has a fair following. However, a stronger option could be his former defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham.
Graham, who previously served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator from 2020 to 2021 during the Joe Judge era, has more experience with the team’s defense. While Bowen’s job is still secure for now, Graham’s performance with a similar roster stands out.
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Under Graham, the Giants’ defense ranked 16th and 21st in expected points added per play, while Bowen’s defense ranked much lower at 29th and 28th in 2024. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ defense under Graham ranked 16th and 11th in those categories, showcasing his ability to improve defenses.
A former position coach under Bill Belichick, Graham has found success across several NFL teams, which is more than what Pierce can claim. Pierce, hired as the Raiders’ interim head coach after Josh McDaniels’ firing, gained the full-time position after winning over the locker room.
However, after the Raiders’ offense faltered, Pierce was let go at the end of a disappointing season. Pierce has no experience as a coordinator and no history with the Giants’ personnel, making his impact on the team uncertain.
In contrast, Graham’s history with Daboll during their time on Belichick’s staff from 2013 to 2015 gives the Giants head coach insight into Graham’s potential. While Pierce’s return as a former Giant and head coach might grab headlines, Graham offers a more compelling case. He’s expected to have multiple suitors, and the Giants could be at the top of that list if Bowen is let go.
