EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a surprising move, the New York Giants have fired offensive line coach Marc Colombo, a person with knowledge of the situation told NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network on Wednesday.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Hired in January, Colombo is out, and longtime offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo is being brought aboard by head coach Joe Judge to replace him.
The Giants confirmed the move in a statement.
"We appreciate what Marc has done, but I felt like this move is in the best interest of the team," Judge said. He and DeGuglielmo worked together on Bill Belichick's coaching staff in New England in 2014-15.
The Giants (3-7) are on a two-game winning streak and they will return to action following their bye week on Nov. 29 in Cincinnati against the Bengals.
Here is the timeline of events that led to a stunning change on Judge's staff, through reporting gathered by numerous persons both inside and outside the organization contacted by NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network on Wednesday afternoon. The persons spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation:
— Judge was displeased with the way the Giants' offensive line had been progressing over the past few weeks, so he has jumped in during practice and been hands-on alongside Colombo. They saw results against the Washington Football Team two games ago, and separately Judge had been in contact with DeGuglielmo as consultant.
— The Giants were set to move forward with Colombo remaining as offensive line coach and DeGuglielmo as a consultant, with the two working together in addition to Judge continuing his role.
— Judge and Colombo met Tuesday night to talk about DeGuglielmo coming on board as a consultant. DeGuglielmo has been in town for COVID-19 testing, and upon completion of the protocols, he was set to join Judge's staff at week's end.
— Colombo did not react well to the development, and the fallout led to his firing. "Fistfight," as initially reported by Fox Sports, is not an accurate description of what took place between Judge and Colombo. There were words, and there is little doubt about the exchange being intense.
— Here's where Giants are at: Judge is consistent. If he asks his players to be team-first, he expects his coaches to do same. Bringing DeGuglielmo in as a consultant — a team move. Colombo didn't appreciate it and let Judge know. Result: he's out.
We can debate all we want about how Colombo should have reacted, or whether it would've worked with DeGuglielmo and Colombo together moving forward. Bottom line: Judge believed it was best for the Giants, would've done the same with a player (see Golden Tate), and Judge stayed true to what he has preached.
