It’s the first Monday following the conclusion of the NFL regular season, otherwise known as “Black Monday.” A day where struggling NFL franchises get to turn over a new leaf and start fresh by placing the majority of the blame on underperforming head coaches and general managers, who are dealt their walking papers. This year’s Black Monday has already consumed a handful of notable names. Mike Zimmer and Matt Nagy, who have combined to make five postseason appearances over the past seven years, were each relieved of their duties. As was Brian Flores, who led Miami to back-to-back winning seasons.
However, Joe Judge, who has captured just 10 victories over his 33 games as head coach for the Giants, is having his leash extended. That’s right, the Joe Judge era lives on in East Rutherford for at least one more season. According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the head coach “is staying” with the organization despite a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2021. The Giants finished the year in horrific fashion, losing six straight games, including a 22-7 beatdown at the hands of NFC East rival Washington in the season finale.
Dave Gettleman Stepping Away
While Judge is being given another season to right the ship, that’s not to say some major changes aren’t underway in New York. In a statement shared on the team’s official website, general manager Dave Gettleman announced his retirement from the NFL.
“It was a privilege to serve as the general manager of the New York Giants the last four years and to have spent so many years of my career with this franchise,” Gettleman said on January 10. “We obviously have not had the on-the-field success I expected, and that is disappointing. However, I have many fond memories here, including two Super Bowl victories, and I wish the team and organization only the best moving forward. There are many good people here who pour their souls into this organization. I am proud to have worked alongside them.”
The retirement news is far from a surprise, as things have been trending in this direction for quite some time. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported back on November 28 that Gettleman was “unlikely to return” to his general manager duties in 2022 and that he “may end up walking away himself and into retirement” — which according to Anderson, is exactly what has happened.
In total, Gettleman spent four seasons running the team’s personnel department, culminating in a win-loss record of 19-46. As for the Giants, they have now lost 10-plus games in five consecutive seasons and have just one playoff appearance under their belt over the last decade.
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Giants Players Wanted Judge Fired
The decision to retain the second-year head coach is unlikely to be met with unanimous joy within the Giants locker room. Following New York’s loss to Washington in Week 18, NFL insider Jay Glazer appeared on FOX Sports’ postgame show where he shed some light on the wavering support Judge has from his current players.
“I’ve talked to people inside that locker room — they would like to see a move on from Joe Judge,” Glazer said via Giants Wire.
Glazer followed up his comments with a tweet further delving into the “frustration” building amongst players.
“I believe Giants brass is torn on what to do w Joe Judge bc of revolving door of coaches they’ve had in recent years. Have hesitation to move on bc they’d add to that revolving door,” Glazer tweeted on January 10. “At same time I have heard a ton of frustration inside that locker room. Not a little, a lot.”
It certainly sounds as if Judge will have an uphill battle on his hands to win back over the locker room.
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Giants Make Final Call on Joe Judge’s Future; Dave Gettleman to Retire: Report