New York Giants' Coaching Staff: How They Rose to Their Position

Jerry Reese, General Manager

Reese joined the Giants organization in '94 as a scout. In '99, he became an assistant in the pro personnel department before being promoted to Director of Player Personnel in '02. In '07 he succeeded Ernie Accorsi as the team's general manager.

Reese's presence was felt immediately as the players he chose in his first NFL draft all contributed to the team's Super Bowl run that year, especially TE Kevin Boss, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Steve Smith, and CB Aaron Ross. He also added LB Kawika Mitchell, FB Madison Hedgecock, and K Lawrence Tynes that season as well. 

Bill Sheridan, Defensive Coordinator

Sheridan joined the Giants in '05 as linebackers coach before filling the vacancy at defensive coordinator left this year by the departing Steve Spagnuolo. Sheridan's resume is filled with college programs, from Notre Dame to Michigan to Army. His assignments have been diverse as well as he has been a defensive line coach, special teams coach, and defensive backs coach.

Under Sheridan, players like LB Antonio Pierce have flourished. This will be his first season as a defensive coordinator at any level, including college. 

Kevin Gilbride, Offensive Coordinator

Gilbride has had a long career in the NFL, entering the league in '89 as quarterbacks coach of the Houston Oilers. He was offensive coordinator for Tom Coughlin's Jacksonville Jaguars in '95 and '96, leading them to an AFC conference game. After that success, he became head coach of the San Diego Chargers for the '97 and '98 seasons but only posted a 6-16 record. 

Gilbride was hired as quarterbacks coach of the New York Giants before the '04 season and remained at that position until his promotion to offensive coordinator in '07. QB Eli Manning has been under Gilbride's tutelage since he was drafted. 

Tom Coughlin, Head Coach

Coughlin accepted the job of Giants head coach in '04, following Jim Fassel. In his fourth season, he led the team to a Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots. Before joining the Giants, he coached the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars from '95-'02, leading them to two AFC Championship games. 

Coughlin was criticized by the media and nearly fired after the '06 season, when the Giants posted an 8-8 record. After that disappointing season, he vowed to change his personality and coaching style regarding his rapport with his players. This change was cited by many of his players as a major reason why the team was so successful during the '07 season.