Giants continue to play musical chairs in OC search
By Ralph Vacchiano | Feb 6, 2018 | 3:50PM

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Pat Shurmur has finalized most of his Giants coaching staff already, but one significant piece is still missing. And it's possible his search for an offensive coordinator will last into next week.
That's because Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski is believed to be one of Shurmur's top targets, but he's also a candidate to get Shurmur's old job as Vikings offensive coordinator, too. Meanwhile, the Vikings are still interviewing candidates, and they appear to be interested in Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo.
But DeFilippo, according to ESPN, can't be interviewed until 10 days after the season - which is apparently when his contract with the Eagles expires. That means the Vikings can't talk to DeFilippo until Feb. 14. And since the report said they appear willing to wait, that means their search for a new offensive coordinator won't wrap up for another eight or so days.
That puts the Giants and Shurmur in a difficult position. They can wait out the Vikings' search if Stefanski is indeed Shurmur's top choice, or they can move on to one of their other top candidates - like Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley or former Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Stefanski can choose to wait or move on, too. So can the Vikings.
That means the Giants' search for an offensive coordinator is stuck in a big game of musical chairs.
Regardless, Shurmur has said he plans to hire an offensive coordinator even though he intends to call his own plays for the Giants. He also still needs a quarterbacks coach too, and it's possible whomever he hires - especially if it's Stefanski -- could fill dual roles.
Here's a look at the coaches who, according to multiple NFL sources, are believed to be the top three candidates to be the offensive coordinator on Shurmur's Giants staff:
Vikings QB coach Kevin Stefanski
He's a 35-year-old rising star who spent the last 11 years in various jobs on the Vikings' coaching staff. Obviously, with Shurmur's help, he did a remarkable job last season, helping journeyman Case Keenum to a career season after the Vikings lost starter Sam Bradford (who was replacing Teddy Bridgewater).
Shurmur and Stefanski are believed to be close, but it's unclear if the Vikings are willing to let him leave. He's one of five known candidates for their offensive coordinator job. The fact that he hasn't been hired yet suggests he may not be the leading candidate. His availability remains a mystery.
Eagles RB coach Duce Staley
The long-time Eagles and Steelers running back has become a well-respected coach since he joined the Eagles staff in 2011. And he's been their running backs coach since 2013, which is when Shurmur returned for a three-year stint as the Eagles offensive coordinator.
Staley, 42, has been talked about often as a future offensive coordinator (and possible future head coach). The Giants couldn't talk to him during Philly's Super Bowl run. They can now, if the Eagles grant permission, which is not guaranteed.
Former Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell
The 48-year-old, who was once thought to be a lock to be a future NFL head coach, was fired by Seattle coach Pete Carroll on Jan. 11 - a casualty of the Seahawks missing the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Under Bevell, who had been their OC since 2011, the Seahawks offense ranked 15th last season, which was their lowest finish since 2013.
In his seven seasons, Seattle finished in the Top 11 in scoring five times. Bevell is reportedly the top candidate for the offensive coordinator job in Indianapolis. The Vikings have also interviewed him for their OC job.