The New York Giants have made another big change. After a losing streak, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has been fired and outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen has been given the job. The team lost its sixth straight game in Detroit and fell to 2-10 on the season. The loss prompted another shakeup in the coaching staff.
Head coach Brian Daboll was fired two weeks ago. Mike Kafka took over as interim head coach. Tight ends coach Tim Kelly was given the offensive coordinator role. Bowen served as defensive coordinator for the Giants in his second season. He previously held the role for three years with the Tennessee Titans.
The Giants next face the 10-2 New England Patriots in Foxborough on “Monday Night Football.” The team then has a bye in Week 14.
Charlie Bullen has 18 years of NFL experience. He is currently in his second season as an outside linebackers coach. In 2023, he served as the pass rush coordinator at the University of Illinois. He was the outside linebackers coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 2020-22. He served as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins from 2013-18. He started out as a student assistant and graduate assistant at the University of Iowa.
Bullen is a native of Palatine, Illinois. He attended Framed High School, where he was a teammate of quarterback Scott Tolzien. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Megan, have three daughters and a son.
For the Giants, the change is not just a coaching staff shakeup, but a crucial step for the team’s future. The team’s confidence has been dented by consecutive losses, but Bullen’s experience is expected to improve the defense. The game against the Patriots will be a test for the team. If the defense improves, this change could be worth it.
Let's take a look at Charlie Bullen's coaching career changes
| Year / Period | Team / Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | New York Giants | Outside Linebackers |
| 2023 | University of Illinois | Outside Linebackers / Pass Rush Coordinator |
| 2020-22 | Arizona Cardinals | Outside Linebackers |
| 2019 | Arizona Cardinals | Assistant Linebackers |
| 2016-18 | Miami Dolphins | Assistant Linebackers |
| 2013-15 | Miami Dolphins | Assistant Defensive Line |
| 2012 | Miami Dolphins | Defensive Assistant |
| 2009-11 | University of Iowa | Graduate Assistant (Defensive Back) |
| 2007-08 | University of Iowa | Student Assistant (Quarterback) |
This moment is important for American football fans because the future direction of the Giants now depends on Bullen’s leadership. The next few weeks will be crucial for the team.