What to Know
- The New York Giants fired head coach Pat Shurmur on Monday
- Shurmur was 9-23 in his two seasons on the job
- His tenure included the likely end of the Eli Manning era at quarterback
The New York Giants fired Head Coach Pat Shurmur on Monday, following a disappointing two seasons where the team managed just nine wins.
The Giants finished off a 4-12 season on Sunday, dropping a 34-17 decision at MetLife Stadium that allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to claim the NFC East title.
“We didn't win enough games, I don't make any excuses for that,'' Shurmur said after the game. “But I do know there are things that happened this year where this team improved in a lot of ways. I feel like it is only going to get better."
Shurmur noted a lot of young players got experience this season, including quarterback Daniel Jones, who started 12 games after replacing two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, whose contract has expired.
Manning was not in the locker room after the game to speak about his future. He waved to the crowd running off the field after the game ended, but most of the fans left were Eagles supporters.
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“If I am back I am looking forward to working with this young talent,'' Shurmur said. “And if I am not, whoever is coaching this team has a great group of young players.''
The Giants will have the fourth pick in next year's NFL draft, meaning they are likely to add another potential breakout player to that young crop.
Saquon Barkley, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, voiced support for Shurmur.
“Obviously it's a business,” said Barkley, who finished the season with 1,003 yards rushing. "You can't focus on one person. There are games where I could have done better or this person or that person could have done better. At the end of the day it's a team sport. We all have to find ways to win games.''