Tom Coughlin isn’t worried about defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s job opportunities getting in the way of the Giants’ Super Bowl run.
Spagnuolo’s name has been mentioned in connection with many of the head-coaching vacancies around the league, but Coughlin said he believes Spagnuolo is focused on one thing this week – shutting down the Eagles.
“No, it won’t be a distraction,” Coughlin said. “I have talked to him. He has tried to keep me posted but there isn’t any doubt in my mind that his focus is right here preparing for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Spagnuolo interviewed with the Jets on Saturday and is considered one of the top candidates for the position that was opened when Gang Green canned Eric Mangini a week ago. Spagnuolo has also had conversations with the Lions, Browns and Broncos.
“Last week was a League-wide opportunity for anybody who was in the bye week and a couple of days were set aside for this according to those rules, Couhghlin said. “And they did not interfere with anything that we are doing here. And he, as always, is very much focused on the job at hand.”
Spagnuolo was offered the Redskins head-coaching job last year, but turned it down after the Giants made him the highest paid defensive coordinator in the NFL.
“What’s different? That was the case last year,” DE Justin Tuck said last week. “Our focus is these playoffs and I’m sure his is, too. We’ll handle that when the time permits it I guess.”
Spagnuolo’s defense led the Super Bowl charge last year for the Giants. In a Divisional Round win over the Cowboys, DE Michael Strahan and company harassed Dallas QB Tony Romo forcing him into erratic throws. And in the Super Bowl the Giants’ defense did what most considered impossible – slowing down Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offensive juggernaut in a 17-14 Super Bowl win.
“It says enough by saying we want him back. I think that says enough,” Tuck said. “Obviously the numbers and success speaks for itself. I don’t think we won a Super Bowl before he got here. I feel as though he has been a huge part of the success we’ve had – not only defensively but this entire team is appreciative with the way he goes around here and goes about his business. When the question comes ‘Do we want him back,’ obviously.”