The New York Giants are considering a bold move to fill their vacant head coaching position, and it's causing a stir in the NFL world! With Brian Daboll's departure, the team is exploring various options, including a strategy that has fans and experts intrigued: trading for a current head coach.
But here's where it gets controversial: NFL trades involving head coaches are like spotting a unicorn in the wild. Historically, there have only been two genuine trades with pre-arranged offers, and a mere six other transactions resembling trades, albeit not initially intended as such. So, the Giants' potential approach is a rare and unconventional path.
The concept of trading for a head coach is relatively new, but coaches have long sought greener pastures by terminating their contracts. The iconic Don Shula, for instance, left the Baltimore Colts for the Dolphins, leading to a unique 'trade' where Miami sent a 1971 first-round pick to Baltimore as compensation for Shula's remaining contract years. Similar scenarios have played out a few times since, with coaches like Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick becoming the centerpieces of 'trades' between the Jets and Patriots.
The two bona fide trades involved Jon Gruden and Herm Edwards, who were shipped to Tampa Bay and the Chiefs, respectively, for a substantial package of draft picks and cash. Given the absence of free agent coaches with remaining contract years, this seems like the path the Giants would have to follow.
To make this happen, the Giants would need to initiate discussions with the front offices of potential coaching targets, assess mutual interest, and negotiate suitable compensation. However, the coach would have the power to veto the deal before it's finalized. This process has already been partially witnessed in recent years, with the Bears expressing interest in acquiring Kyle Shanahan from the 49ers and Jim Harbaugh almost being traded from the 49ers to Cleveland.
While it's not the most conventional approach, the Giants' willingness to explore this option is fascinating. And if they can secure a talented coach under contract, it might just be worth using their draft capital to create a dynamic duo with their young, promising players.
