New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham had a chance to interview for at least one head-coaching job last offseason but turned down the chance.
He might not do so again this offseason, though, as he appears to at least be open to look elsewhere and become an NFL head coach.
“The idea is to be a head coach one day,” Graham said, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who also noted that Graham sounded like he’ll be open to taking interviews this time around if given the chance.
As mentioned before, Graham turned down a chance to interview for the Jets’ head-coaching job that eventually went to Robert Saleh, who is 4-12 in his first season, the same record the Giants currently sport.
Giants DC Patrick Graham said “the idea is to be a head coach one day.” He made it sound like he’ll at least listen if teams come calling after the season. Graham turned down an interview request from the Jets last offseason.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) January 6, 2022
At the time, the Giants were 6-10 and coming off a 2020 season where they were ranked ninth in overall defense, thus, Graham didn’t want to leave the Giants for the Jets.
But with the Giants not looking so great these days, and with Joe Judge’s future not so clear anymore, it makes sense for him to explore his options around the league.
The Chicago Bears are expected to fire Matt Nagy, and the futures of head coaches Mike Zimmer and Vic Fangio in Minnesota and Denver, respectively, are also up in the air.
Plus, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders have interim head coaches and could be looking to interview candidates.
Even Judge himself could get the axe if Mara decides to cave to public pressure, and maybe Graham will want to interview for Judge’s job.
So, if Graham wants to make the jump to being an NFL head coach, he’ll have options this offseason.
