Joe Judge wants coaches who can fix a flat tire, not reinvent the wheel.
The Giants admittedly took a risk hiring Judge, a 38-year-old first-time head coach. But what he lacks in experience could be made up if he is able to lean on a strong staff of assistants — perhaps fellow Bill Belichick and Nick Saban protégés.
“I want teachers, not presenters,” Judge said. “I don’t want someone who looks fancy in front of the screen that can say it with a lot of different sales lines. I want old-school people who can get to our players and give them the mental image of what it’s supposed to look like. I want them to demonstrate on a daily basis the work ethic.”
Judge retained special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey in the same role and reportedly will speak with former Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens. He plans to meet with all of fired coach Pat Shurmur’s assistants before cleaning house, though a source tells The Post that Judge’s offensive staff is penciled in.
Joe JudgeCharles Wenzelberg“I have some names in mind, but we will talk to everybody, we will take our time,” Judge said. “I don’t want any alternative agendas. I’m making that clear right now.”
Judge, the former Patriots special teams coordinator, will not call any plays. His most important hire will be a quarterback mind to develop Daniel Jones after a strong rookie season.
“You cannot get by with some kind of magic scheme or new gimmick or think you’ve reinvented the wheel,” Judge said. “The same things win football games that have always won football games. It’s fundamentals.”
Giants co-owner John Mara said Judge will have final say over his staff.
Former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett — fired this week after 10 seasons — would give Judge a been-there, done-that right-hand man who once played quarterback for the Giants. He was scheduled to interview in the Giants head coach search before the job went to Judge.
“I certainly wouldn’t have any objection to that,” Mara said. “I have a lot of respect for Jason. At the end of the day, that’s going to be Joe’s decision. That would be great if he could find the right [experienced] person.”
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