by Ben on January 9 at 8:28PM
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The news that the Atlanta Falcons have requested to speak to Steve Spagnuolo in regards to their open head coaching vacancy has made more tan a few Giants fans nervous and downright uncomfortable. Spags has done a tremendous job in his first year in New York, implementing a fast, aggressive defensive scheme that has been exciting to watch and very effective at shutting down opposing offenses. The Giants rank 7th in the NFL in overall defense and lead the league in sacks with 53. 

The Giants haven't exactly had great luck with their offensive and defensive coordinators in recent years. John Hufnagel's offenses stalled more often then my old 1988 Nissan (which set a single season record for AAA service calls in 2003) while Tim Lewis' defenses looked like they were made of paper mache' and were very accommodating to the run. 

Spags is the most talented coordinator we have had since John Fox left in 2002 to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, leading them to a Super Bowl a year later. Thus, please don't blame Giants fans if they are a bit overprotective of our young defensive coordinator as other teams come calling for his services. We knew this day would come eventually, but not this soon.

The chances of Spags leaving are compounded by the Falcons search for a new GM. Chris Mara, the Giants   current VP of player evaluation, and Eagles GM Tom Heckert are the top candidates for the open GM spot in Atlanta and are both familiar with Spags. Heckert has known him since his days with the Eagles dating back to 1999 while Mara has worked with him this season. It is thought that both would make a big push to bring him on board as head coach if they are named GM.

While the interest in Spags is a bit disconcerting, have no fear faithful Giant backers, I don't think the boy wonder is going anywhere. According to most accounts, he is quite happy in New York and with only one year of experience under his belt as defensive coordinator, he does not quite feel ready to make the leap to head coach just yet. 

We will know more after the playoffs as the Giants have temporarily denied the Falcons request to speak with Spagnuolo. The two sides will meet once the Giants are eliminated from contention to discuss the position. Until then, Spags should have only one thing on his mind: figuring out how to stop the potent Cowboys offense on Sunday.

UPDATE: Pete Carroll is now being considered the front-runner for the position after reportedly speaking with Falcons' owner Arthur Blank. This is some good news...



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