Steve Spagnuolo Named Defensive Coordinator
Steve Spagnuolo named defensive coordinator by the New York Giants this past Thursday. This would be Spagnuolo’s second go around with the G-men. The decision seemed to come down between Spagnuolo and former giants linebacker Pepper Johnson. Ultimately head coach Tom Coughiln choose Spags.
“We spoke to a lot of very good candidates, The energy, enthusiasm and strong personality that we saw before in Steve Spagnuolo, all of that was very evident again. His desire to be a Giant again was very, very obvious.” said Coach Tom Coughlin
Spagnuolo who is 55, will take over for Perry Fewell, who was the Giants’ defensive coordinator for the past five years. Fewell was released after his second season of poor defensive coaching and a sub 500 winning percentage. After finishing 6-10 this season the Giants ranked 29th in the NFL for total defense.
“I was hoping to take the next step, God willing, and be a coordinator again. I’m ecstatic that it’s with Tom Coughlin,” Spagnuolo said. “Tom is the highest-character guy I know. The feeling I have is one of excitement. We’re going to work our butts off, and hopefully we will do great things together.”
“Maria (his wife) and I are very happy to be returning to the Giants,” “This is both new and familiar at the same time.” Spagnuolo said.
This years task ahead may prove to be a difficult one. Spagnuolo will no longer have the familiar faces he once knew as only defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka remains from Spagnuolo’s previous tenure.
Head coach Tom Coughlin believes Spags is prepared for change and a new evolution of defensive schemes.
“His defense has changed since he was last here,” Coughlin said. “He worked in Baltimore with John Harbaugh and Dean Pees, and they are outstanding defensive coaches. He has studied defenses. Steve visited colleges and talked to college coaches, including Urban Meyer, to learn how to defend the spread offenses that have become so popular.”
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