Giants interview Shurmur
THE GIANTS’ search for Ben McAdoo’s successor continued Saturday.
The team announced that exBrowns head coach Pat Shurmur became the fourth candidate to interview for Big Blue’s vacancy.
Shurmur, 52, who is the offensive coordinator of the 13-3 Vikings, met with Giants brass in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The Vikings have a first-round bye in the playoffs, which allowed Shurmur to interview with coowner John Mara, new general manager Dave Gettleman and assistant GM Kevin Abrams.
Shurmur joins Steve Spagnuolo — who took over as interim coach after McAdoo was fired in early December — and Patriots coordinators Matt Patricia and Josh McDaniels as candidates who have interviewed thus far.
According to multiple reports, the Giants missed out on an opportunity to interview Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz this weekend. The two sides were unable to find a time to talk before Sunday’s deadline for teams with playoff byes. If the Giants are interested in Schwartz they will have to wait until the Eagles are eliminated from the postseason.
The Giants still plan to meet with former Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville and Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
Shurmur, in his second season with the Vikings, has helped keep the team rolling despite the loss of starting quarterback Sam Bradford to injury. The Vikings didn’t miss a beat with backup Case Keenum playing most of the season. The former Michigan State offensive lineman went 9-23 as the head coach in Cleveland from 2011-2012. He began his NFL coaching career with the Eagles in 1999.
Shurmur has previously served as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams (2009-2010) and Eagles (2013-2015).
McDaniels, who failed in his first stint as a head coach with the Broncos, is considered the favorite to win the job.
— With Pat Leonard