None of the Giants remain from the last time an interim head coach was appointed.
However, two players do recall when Ben McAdoo was dismissed in 2017 and Steve Spagnuolo took his place. They’ll be on opposing sides when the Lions meet the Giants this Sunday. These two can relate to the current situation for the Giants, now headed by Mike Kafka after Brian Daboll’s departure.
Khalif Raymond was a younger player back then, attempting to find his footing in a receiver group that was struggling with injuries. Now 31 and in his fifth year with the Lions, he was named a second-team All-Pro last season, and his punt return average this season is an impressive 7.3 yards—including touchdowns.
“He possesses the elite speed needed for that position,” noted Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial. “Khalif has incredible quickness that makes it tough for defenders to tackle him. He’s a serious threat once the ball is in his hands. We need to ensure our positioning is spot-on, stick to our tackling fundamentals, and above all, bring our best tackling technique to handle him effectively. I believe Khalif stands out as a top returner.”
Another recognizable figure is defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepard, who was a linebacker for the Giants in 2017. He went on to play one more season with the Lions before retiring and turning to coaching.
Shepard worked under Aaron Glenn for four seasons before being picked to fill Glenn’s role when Glenn moved to the Jets.
Tim Kelly, the Giants’ interim offensive coordinator, described Shepard’s defense as “aggressive.” He commented, “There’s been a lot of discussion around their schemes and techniques. If you observe their ‘helpers,’ they all have an aggressive mindset towards tackling the ball carrier and engaging with blockers. They make a real effort to attack the football, aiming for punch-outs and showing a definite intent to play violently.”
Pat Fitzgerald, Kafka’s coach from Northwestern University, has been seen at the last two practices. Interestingly, Fitzgerald hasn’t been on a paid coaching staff since July 2023 when he was let go following a school investigation into hazing within the program.
“Coach Fitts comes over to hang out with the players and me,” Kafka shared. “I’m genuinely grateful to have him around. He’s my mentor.”
In team news, WR Darius Slayton (hamstring), LB Demetrius Flanigan-Fowles (illness), and CB Rico Payton (illness) were upgraded to limited practice participants on Thursday.
Additionally, CB Nick Jones (hamstring) appeared on the injury report as limited.
Players who missed practice included CB Paulson Adebo (knee), TE Thomas Fidon (foot), OLB Kayvon Thibodeau (shoulder), as well as Cordar Flott (personal reasons), who just welcomed a new baby.
Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen noted that slot cornerback may evolve into a weekly rotation between Jones and struggling second-year player Jrue Phillips. “Nick has certainly earned his spot on the field, right?” Bowen remarked. “He performed well, and we’re confident in his ability. We’ll see how things unfold.” Despite the changes, Bowen expressed his continued trust in Drew.
