Antrel Rolle was sad to see Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride and tight ends coach Mike Pope go, but the safety said he believes they were moves that had to be made.
“I think right now we just need something different, as far as an organization, or ownership feels we need something different within the organization,” the Giants’ vocal leader said Wednesday on Radio Row at the Sheraton in Midtown during a promotional appearance for The Northwest Company. “That’s their choice to make. In this game, we live with changes each and every season. Unfortunately, it had to be those changes. I’m sure the changes will be made for the better of the organization.”
Rolle was happy to see continuity in the coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball, where the Giants finished eighth in total defense. He had a big year, playing in the Pro Bowl for a third time when Seahawks safety Earl Thomas was unable to go because Seattle reached the Super Bowl. Rolle helped lead the Giants to a 7-3 finish after a dreadful 0-6 start, starting 16 games, intercepting six passes and making 98 tackles.
“I feel like we’ve grown as a defense, players along with coaches, and I think we’re on to something spectacular,” he said.
Rolle’s future is uncertain. He has only one year left on his contract, which will pay him $7 million. Rolle, 31, would be open to talking to the Giants about an extension, and doesn’t plan on going elsewhere.
“Absolutely,” Rolle said when asked if he wants to end his career with the Giants. “The ownership here has been remarkable, not only to myself, but I see how they are with other players and people just around the community. They’re phenomenal people. I love to play [for] them. I play my heart out for those guys and for my teammates each and every week.”
Rolle would have preferred to be preparing to play in the Super Bowl in his home stadium than giving radio interviews this week, but he already is looking forward to next season, and getting the Giants back in the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. He wasn’t specific about what upgrades Big Blue need to make.
“Just speaking by what we have here, we just need to be more consistent and come out of the gates swinging a whole lot better than we did this year,” Rolle said.