It's Official: Giants Name Gilbride Offensive Coordinator

As expected, the Giants today announced that Kevin Gilbride would pilot the offense in 2007, naming him as the permanent Offensive Coordinator.

Gilbride began the 2006 season as the Giants Quarterbacks Coach and apparently performed admirably, although little progress was made with regard to the development of Eli Manning's play. Gilbride took over for the dismissed Offensive Coordinator John Hufnagel, who was effectively let go prior to the last game of the season, against the Washington Redskins, and he immediately produced positive results.

During Gilbride's two games as acting Offensive Coordinator, one being a playoff loss to the Eagles, the Giants produced 660 total yards and averaged 27 points per game. More importantly, Eli Manning appeared to have a more developed pocket awareness during those contests and relied on his mobility to avoid contact, rather than alter his mechanics, which he is frequently guilty of.

As O Coordinator, Gilbride will have to take a more proactive approach to the offensive philosophy, as well as a react-on-the-fly approach, both of which seemed to be absent for the majority of 2006. We can all recall the incidences where the Giants abandoned the run early in games, even though they were ahead of closely trailing and we can all remember scratching our heads. Lets hope Gilbride is wiser than his predecessor.