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.”

“Steve Spagnuolo Named Defensive Coordinator” written for bleedbigblue.com please leave a comment below.

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On Wednesday, the New York Giants parted ways with defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. It seemed last week when it was announced that head coach, Tom Coughlin, and general manager, Jerry Reese, would be back that the Giants would also retain Fewell. But, all of that changed on Wednesday morning. The Giants also released defensive backs coach Peter Giunta who has been with the team since 2006.

Fewell has been the Giants defensive coordinator for the past five seasons including the Giants Super Bowl run in 2011. But his defensive schemes and adjustments have been under scrutiny.

The Giants defense struggled this season allowing 375.8 yards per game which was the 4^th worst in the NFL and a major step back from 2013 when they gave up the 8^th fewest yards in the NFL. In addition this year the Giants defense allowed 400 points. It marked the 2^nd time during Fewell’s tenure as defensive coordinator that the Giants defense allowed 400 points in a season.

So now the question is who will replace Fewell as the Giants defensive coordinator in 2015?

The list of candidates to replace Fewell are former Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith, and former Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen. The Giants’ hierarchy would also like to pursue former defensive coordinator; Steve Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator when the Giants won Super Bowl XLII and is currently the defensive backs coach with Baltimore Ravens. Should the Ravens lose this weekend to the New England Patriots, expect the Giants to contact Spagnuolo immediately.

Another possibility is former Giants linebacker Pepper Johnson. Johnson spent 14 years on the New England Patriots coaching staff before becoming the Buffalo Bills defensive line coach this year.

Whoever the Giants decide as their next defensive coordinator they will have a tall task ahead of them as they try to resurrect the once proud Giants defense.

“Giants Part Ways With Perry Fewell?” was written by Guest blogger Jason Leach Please Share this post & leave some feedback in the comment field below, I would love to know what you think.

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