NFL's New York Giants to hire New England Patriots' Joe Judge as head coach

Story by ESPN
Written by Jordan Raanan

The New York Giants are finalizing a deal for New England Patriots wide receivers coach Joe Judge to become the team's next head coach, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

Judge, 38, was the youngest of the seven known candidates mentioned for the Giants' vacancy and has been mentored by Alabama coach Nick Saban and Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He is considered a no-nonsense guy who isn't afraid to ruffle feathers with players if necessary.

The Giants also have asked for and received permission from the Dallas Cowboys to speak with Jason Garrett regarding a position as offensive coordinator on Judge's staff, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder on Tuesday.

Judge would replace Pat Shurmur, who was fired by the Giants last week after two seasons, as the 19th coach in franchise history.

The deal was in the works as of Monday night, sources told Schefter, which is another reason Matt Rhule took the head-coaching job with the Carolina Panthers.

The Giants, who are an NFL-worst 12-36 since the start of the 2017 season, had interviewed Cowboys passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Kris Richard, former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and Ravens defensive coordinator Don Martindale.

McCarthy accepted the Cowboys' head-coaching job on Monday, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Judge follows the John Harbaugh model to the top of the coaching profession, from special-teams coordinator -- before adding a position coach stint to his resume -- to NFL head coach.

The Cowboys announced Sunday that Garrett would not return as head coach, but he is under contract though Jan. 14, so the Giants need permission to interview him.

Garrett is well thought of by Giants ownership and played for the team from 2000-03.