EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Ben McAdoo needed two seasons to fix the New York Giants’ offense.
His job now is to get the franchise back on track.
The Giants confirmed Thursday that 38-year-old McAdoo has been hired to replace Tom Coughlin, who stepped down a little more than a week ago after 12 seasons.
McAdoo faces a big challenge. After winning their second Super Bowl under Coughlin, the Giants have missed the playoffs the past four seasons. They have posted losing records in the past three seasons, going 6-10 in the past two.
“We were all impressed with his energy, his enthusiasm, his vision and his desire,” Giants president and co-owner John Mara said. “Ben has been preparing for this opportunity since he started coaching, and he has earned his stripes every step of the way. Some have suggested he may not be ready, and as I said last week, we want a coach who feels like he has something to prove.”
McAdoo, who has been the Giants’ offensive coordinator the past two seasons, will be introduced at a news conference Friday morning.
“I have been preparing for this moment my entire professional life, and without the guidance and support of many people, I would not be here right now,” McAdoo said.
McAdoo interviewed with Mara and Giants general manager Jerry Reese a week ago Tuesday. They met again Wednesday, when McAdoo also spoke with team chairman Steve Tisch and treasurer Jonathan Tisch.
Mara and Reese interviewed five other candidates before choosing McAdoo, the NFL’s second-youngest coach.
Thumbnail photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images
