Gettleman to return for 4th season as GM

Dave Gettleman will address the media Wednesday to discuss his just concluded third season as general manager of the Giants and, to the surprise of some, look ahead to a fourth.

Despite having overseen the worst record in the NFLduring his tenure with the team (15-33) and at no point during that time laying claim to a winning record, Giants ownership has decided to stick with Gettleman, sources told Newsday.

It was actually an easier decision this year than it was last year, when the GM was very nearly fired with coach Pat Shurmur.

“He does know that the batting average has got to increase going forward,” co-owner John Mara said at the end of the 2019 season regarding Gettleman. “Weneedto win more games, and Dave knows that. I’m not going to quantify the number of wins I need to see, but we need to be able to put a better product on the field. We should be better next year.”

By most accounts they were. The Giants finished 6-10 while playing 16 meaningful games before they were eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday night.

And Gettleman’s “average” did improve, first with his role in selecting Joe Judge as the team’s coach to replace Shurmur, then by signing free agents James Bradberry (who made the Pro Bowl in 2020) and Blake Martinez, and landing Logan Ryan just before the start of the regular season.

Interest in coordinators: Martinez described himself as “a Stage-5 clinger girlfriend” when it comes to Patrick Graham. So with the Giants defensive coordinator receiving interest from other teams as a head coaching candidate, Martinez warned Graham about his stalker tendencies.

“You’re not allowed to leave me,” Martinez said he told Graham. “I’m going to find you.”

He may not have to look very far. The Jets asked the Giants for permission to interview Graham this week.

If they wind up hiring him, maybe they’ll get a middle linebacker as part of the package.