If you told a die-hard Giants fan a few years ago that Mike McCarthy might end up patrolling the sidelines at MetLife Stadium, they probably would have laughed you out of the room. According to reports from ESPN and NFL Network, the New York Giants are set to interview the former Cowboys and Packers head coach next Tuesday. Will he be a good fit in New York?
Why McCarthy Is a Serious Contender
Let’s put the NFC East rivalry aside for a second. When you look at the résumé, it’s hard to ignore what McCarthy brings to the table. We’re talking about a guy with 174 regular-season wins, a Super Bowl ring (XLV), and a history of winning essentially everywhere he goes.
After the Brian Daboll era ended with a thud, a brutal 5-22 stretch over the last two years, General Manager Joe Schoen isn’t looking for a flashy experiment. He needs a proven commodity. McCarthy’s time in Dallas might have ended without a Lombardi Trophy, but he led them to three playoff appearances and two division titles.
The QB Whisperer Factor
The biggest selling point for McCarthy? His track record with quarterbacks. The Giants have bet the farm on rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart, and they need someone who won’t ruin him. McCarthy helped turn Aaron Rodgers into a legend and oversaw Dak Prescott’s best statistical seasons.
Giants ownership wants a clear plan for Dart, specifically regarding his development and protection. McCarthy has already gone on record praising Dart’s mobility while noting the kid needs to learn to protect himself better.
A Crowded Interview Room
McCarthy isn’t just walking into the job, though. The Giants are casting a massive net. Former Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski was already in New Jersey on Tuesday night. Then there’s the bombshell that John Harbaugh is out in Baltimore. The Giants are definitely going to check on him.
Add in former Giant Antonio Pierce and defensive minds like Vance Joseph, and you have a heavyweight fight for this job.
Can New York Embrace a Former Cowboy?
This is the emotional hurdle. McCarthy spent five years wearing the Star, trying to beat the Giants twice a year. Seeing him in “Big Blue” gear would take some serious getting used to. But in New York, winning cures everything. If McCarthy can come in, fix the offense, and turn Dart into a star, nobody is going to care about his Dallas zip code.
