Gettleman introduced as New York Giants GM

Vowing to kick some butt and return the New York Giants to prominence, Dave Gettleman has taken over as general manager for the reeling franchise.

Speaking at a news conference Friday, less than 24 hours after his hiring was announced, the 66-year-old Gettleman declined to say how long it would take to rebuild the Giants (2-13) but noted there is plenty of talent on the team that made the playoffs a year ago under recently fired coach Ben Mcadoo.

“I’ve been hired to win,” Gettleman said after introduced by coowner John Mara.

“The only promise I can make is I’m going to do everything in my power to lead this organization back to where it belongs.”

Gettleman replaces Jerry Reese, who was fired on Dec. 4 along with second-year coach Ben McAdoo with the team spiraling out of control and fans upset with the benching of quarterback Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP.

The hiring is reunion for Gettleman. He worked for the franchise for 15 years before leading in 2013 to become the general manger of the Carolina Panthers. He helped them reach the Super Bowl in the 2015 season. He was fired after the team missed the playoffs the next season.

Gettleman believes in oldfashioned football. He wants his teams to run, stop the run and pressure the passer. He says Manning is his starter for next season based on what he saw the 36-year-old do against Philadelphia less than two weeks ago, throwing for 434 yards and three touchdowns.

His first major task will be to hire a new coach. He would not identify any candidates but he said he wants someone with intelligence, leadership ability and vision, equating the job with that of a chief executive.

Mara said the Giants want their new coach to have NFL experience, either as a head coach or a co-ordinator. He expects to start sending out consent forms and making contract with candidates on Monday.

Giants interim coach and defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been promised an interview. Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks also has to be considered a candidate.