In an unexpected turn of events, Joe Judge, the former head coach of the New York Giants, has been reintroduced to the franchise, but not in the role that many might have anticipated. After being fired following a two-year stint as the Giants’ head coach from 2020 to 2021, Judge is returning to the team as a bench coach, a position that, while somewhat unconventional in the NFL, may provide him with an opportunity for redemption and reestablish his coaching reputation.
But why would a franchise that parted ways with Judge just two years ago decide to bring him back? What does this move mean for the Giants, for Judge, and for the future of the team?
The Unlikely Return
Joe Judge’s time as head coach of the Giants was, to put it bluntly, filled with ups and downs. Despite high expectations after his hiring in 2020—when he was seen as a potential long-term answer for the franchise—Judge’s tenure quickly became defined by an offense that sputtered, a lack of discipline at times, and a culture that seemed out of sync. His two years at the helm were marked by a 10-23 record, and while he did have some defenders early on, the overall consensus was that the Giants were not progressing under his leadership.
Judge was dismissed by the team after the 2021 season, which was a campaign filled with turmoil. His failure to fix the offense, compounded by some highly publicized, questionable decisions (such as calling for a quarterback sneak on third-and-9 in a game against the Washington Football Team), led to a loss of confidence from both fans and the front office.
So, why the decision to bring Judge back into the fold now, and what exactly is a bench coach in this context?
What is a Bench Coach in the NFL?
In most professional sports, the term “bench coach” is more commonly associated with baseball. A bench coach is typically a trusted assistant who works alongside the head coach, often offering advice, strategizing during the game, and managing some of the in-game decisions. In football, the equivalent is typically called an assistant coach or offensive/defensive coordinator, and the role of a “bench coach” would be far less defined.
However, given Judge’s background as a special teams coordinator and his previous experience managing different aspects of the game, it is believed that he will take on a role that includes assisting head coach Brian Daboll with game-day preparations, player development, and possibly even assisting in game management decisions. His experience in dealing with both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, combined with his familiarity with the Giants’ roster, could make him a valuable asset as a game-day strategist.
This shift to a bench coach position also reflects a more behind-the-scenes role for Judge, allowing him to contribute without the full weight of being a head coach.
The Giants’ Need for Stability and Experience
From a roster-building perspective, the New York Giants are in the middle of a retooling process. The franchise, under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, has made significant strides in terms of team development, with a focus on long-term sustainability. In Daboll’s first year as head coach, the Giants made the playoffs and won a game in the postseason, something that had eluded them for years.
However, the franchise still has a long way to go to become consistent Super Bowl contenders. Judge’s return as a bench coach could be seen as a way to add an extra layer of experience and depth to a coaching staff that is still relatively young. While Daboll has quickly proven himself as a capable leader, the Giants’ coaching staff as a whole could benefit from the added insight that Judge brings—particularly in special teams and game management, where he has a wealth of experience.
What Judge Brings to the Table
Judge’s coaching journey has been an eclectic one. He was initially hired by the New England Patriots as a special teams coordinator, where he earned the respect of the coaching staff and players. Under Bill Belichick’s tutelage, Judge learned the ropes of being a well-rounded football coach, which helped him transition into his role as the Giants’ head coach.
Despite his struggles as a head coach, Judge’s background in special teams, game management, and team discipline is undeniable. The Giants’ special teams unit was often one of their most stable and competent units during his time in charge, even if the offense and defense faltered. Additionally, his focus on discipline and attention to detail were qualities that might have been overshadowed by the team’s lack of success, but they could be valuable in smaller roles.
By returning as a bench coach, Judge can focus on smaller, less high-stakes aspects of the game while helping build the team’s overall culture from behind the scenes. His experience working with both the offense and defense as a head coach could provide Daboll with a unique perspective on in-game adjustments, potentially making him a valuable resource during tight situations. Furthermore, Judge’s experience with the pressure of being a head coach could also help Daboll handle high-stakes moments more effectively.
The Giants’ Vision for Growth
The decision to bring Joe Judge back may also be part of a larger strategy from the Giants’ front office to develop internal talent and foster a collaborative coaching environment. One of the key themes under the current regime has been to create a coaching staff that works cohesively together, and Judge’s experience in various facets of the game could serve as a complementary piece to the existing coaching staff.
This move can also be seen as a sign that the organization is committed to player development at every level. Judge, having worked with many of the Giants’ players during his previous tenure, could help to nurture a culture of accountability and professionalism, something that could be invaluable as young players continue to evolve in the NFL.
Potential Risks and Criticism
Despite the potential positives, this move is not without its risks. The most significant concern is that Judge’s return could reopen old wounds for Giants fans, many of whom were frustrated by his short, unsuccessful tenure as head coach. Bringing him back, especially after firing him so recently, could send mixed signals about the team’s direction.
Critics may argue that Joe Judge’s return as a bench coach signals a lack of long-term planning or coaching continuity. They may question whether Judge’s history of poor decision-making as a head coach can be forgiven so easily, especially considering his offense-first struggles.
Additionally, Judge’s previous reputation for being a micromanager and sometimes out of touch with his players’ needs might create a challenge as he reintegrates into the organization, even in a less prominent role. His leadership style, which some players criticized for being too rigid and authoritarian, might rub some players or coaches the wrong way.
Conclusion: A Fresh Chapter?
The return of Joe Judge to the New York Giants may ultimately be a sign of the franchise’s commitment to creating a well-rounded, diverse, and experience-rich coaching staff. While it may seem like an unconventional decision, it represents an opportunity for Judge to rebuild his reputation in a lower-pressure role and contribute to the growth of the team in meaningful ways.
For Judge, this second chance offers a path to redemption. Whether or not he can succeed in this new role remains to be seen, but for now, the Giants are banking on his experience, discipline, and knowledge of the game to help them continue their journey toward long-term success.
If he can avoid the pitfalls of his previous tenure and integrate himself into the staff effectively, Joe Judge might find a way to leave a lasting positive impact on the Giants—albeit from the bench, not the head seat.
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