Early this week Eli Manning met with Giants coach Tom Coughlin and, among the many issues discussed was Coughlin’s list of potential quarterbacks coaches to replace Chris Palmer, who two weeks ago left the Giants to become the head coach of the New York/New Jersey UFL franchise that will relocate to Hartford, Conn.
Coughlin brought up Mike Sullivan, who for the past six years had been the Giants receivers coach and has no background working specifically with the quarterback position.
Manning didn’t flinch and yesterday Sullivan was named the Giants new quarterbacks coach.
“We have a good relationship and we communicate well, so I’m excited about having him in the quarterback room,” Manning said. “I think we’re going to have a great relationship on and off the field. He’s helped me become a better quarterback.”
Manning and Sullivan over the years worked closely in developing the passing game — especially the first and second-down packages — and that connection went a long way in convincing Coughlin to hire from within.
“He is an industrious, very hard-working, very intelligent coach,” Coughlin said. “In the words of Eli, he knows exactly what we can expect from Sully and that Mike is a grinder. Mike is going to work extremely hard in the face of any challenge — and his challenge is to continue the development of Eli.”
Sullivan’s former position also was filled with an in-staff promotion, as offensive quality control coach Sean Ryan moves in as the new receivers coach.
Sullivan has been with the Giants since Coughlin arrived in 2004 and established himself as a low-key but very effective assistant. He had a close relationship with former Giant Plaxico Burress and earned high marks this past season, as the young receiving corps of third-year Steve Smith, second-year Mario Manningham and rookie Hakeem Nicks performed far better than anticipated. Sullivan has specialized working with defensive backs and also linebackers at his various college stops, but this will be his first time coaching the quarterback position.
“This is a new challenge and a chance to grow professionally and stretch myself as a coach,” Sullivan said.
Ryan became part of the Giants staff in 2007 and impressed Coughlin with the way he asserted himself. A native of upstate Hudson Falls, Ryan played at Hamilton College and holds a Master’s degree from the University at Albany, where he also coached one season. Kevin Gilbride Jr., son of the Giants offensive coordinator and an assistant at Temple, could replace Ryan as offensive quality control coach.
⇒With the release Thursday of Antonio Pierce the Giants need a middle linebacker.
Cardinals free agent Karlos Dansby on Sirius Radio said of the Giants: “If they have an interest in me, why not? Let’s go.”
Dansby isn’t going to close any doors and also mentioned the Chargers, Dolphins and Redskins as possible suitors.