As new head coach Mike Vrabel continues exploring who he’ll be hiring for his coaching staff, one potential candidate may already be out of the mix.
After reporting earlier on Sunday that Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen may be a possibility to join Mike Vrabel in New England, the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that that option might not actually be on the table after all.
Garafolo walked back his earlier comments later on Sunday, posting on X that Bowen may instead be remaining in New York with the Giants through next season.
“To be clearer on #Giants DC Shane Bowen: My understanding is Brian Daboll is moving forward with him as his coordinator,” reported Garafalo. “My best read on it as of now is he remains in that role in East Rutherford in 2025.”
Bowen came under fire late in the year down in New York for the performance of the Giants’ defense, which finished with the fourth-worst point differential in 2024 (-142). That was just one spot ahead of the Patriots (-128).
New York was also 24th in yards per game, 27th in rushing yards per game, 25th in passes defended, and 31st in interceptions. The Giants currently sit with the third overall pick, one spot ahead of the Patriots, who pick fourth, in the draft.
Giants co-owner John Mara indicated last week he wasn’t happy with their defense, saying, “we need to make improvements there” while speaking to reporters last Monday.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the football, Garafolo believes that Josh McDaniels remains the favorite to potentially make another return to Foxboro as Vrabel’s offensive coordinator.
“Josh McDaniels, a familiar face in Foxboro, we are expecting him to be in the mix for the offensive coordinator role there in New England,” said Garafolo. “So that would be a reunion with Vrabel and McDaniels.”
We’ll see how it all plays out in the coming days. For now, the team announced earlier that Vrabel is set to speak to the media on Monday at noon.
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
More Patriots News Headlines:
Vrabel Confirms DeAndre Hopkins’ Patriots Departure
By: Ian LogueVrabel confirms DeAndre Hopkins' brief Patriots coaching stint has ended. The former wide receiver's departure occurred during training camp.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 7/30
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 4
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Day 4 of Patriots training camp, Kayshon Boutte shines w/Drake Maye, Christian Gonzalez contract talks, and Gabe Jacas's injury mystery deepens.
Morse: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 3
By: Mark MorsePatriots training camp Day 3 notes reveal Gabe Jacas's rare injury waiver contract, plus updates on AJ Brown, Kayshon Boutte, and depth chart battles.
Monday Afternoon Patriots Notebook 7/27: Boutte Continues Making a Case, Interesting Jacas’ Contract Detail
By: Ian LoguePatriots training camp: Kayshon Boutte shines for Drake Maye, Caleb Lomu impresses, Hunter Henry's future, Gabe Jacas's contract, and A.J. Brown's health.
