N.Y. Giants hire Gettleman as GM
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants are turning their rebuilding process over to an old hand who believes in old-time football.
The Giants (2-13) hired former Carolina executive Dave Gettleman as their general manager on Thursday, bringing back a 66-year-old who spent 15 seasons with the franchise before going to the Panthers and helping them get to the Super Bowl in 2015.
Gettleman, who helped the Giants build strong offensive and defensive lines in his tenure, will be introduced at a news conference Friday.
Gettleman was Carolina’s general manager from 2013-16. He was fired after the team missed the playoffs following their Super Bowl appearance. He upset some fans with his player moves, cutting receiver Steve Smith before the 2014 season and running back DeAngelo Williams in 2015, then allowing cornerback Josh Norman to become a free agent in 2016 after rescinding the franchise tag.
Norman signed with Washington, coincidently the Giants opponent this week.
Gettleman will be the Giants’ fourth general manager since 1979, following George Young, Ernie Accorsi and Jerry Reese, who held the job for 11 seasons before he was dismissed on Dec. 4 along with coach Ben McAdoo.
Gettleman’s first job will be to hire a coach. Interim coach and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who replaced McAdoo, has been promised an interview.