Jessie Armstead the New York Giants' next LB coach? Doesn't sound like it

by Mike Garafolo/The Star-Ledger
Monday January 19, 2009, 5:41 PM

So with Bill Sheridan having been promoted to defensive coordinator, the next question is who will replace him as LBs coach.

I know what you're thinking (primarily because you've e-mailed me and commented here on the blog): Jessie Armstead.

Wish I could tell you that's what I'm hearing, but it's not.

Though I haven't heard anything with regard to who will get the job, I've gotten vibes that it won't be Armstead, who served as a special assistant/consultant for the Giants last season after serving as a coaching intern the previous summer. Armstead could very well be on his way to being an NFL assistant, but apparently it won't be happening here and now.

Also, it sounds like a hiring won't be imminent, as in the next day or so. I'm guessing Tom Coughlin could be sniffing around at the Senior Bowl this week for some available coaches. And I would think he would at least give a long look to Andre Curtis, who's currently the Giants' defensive quality control coach. Curtis has been in that position for three seasons. Previously, he coached defensive ends at Georgia Southern (2004-05) and linebackers at VMI (2000-03). Curtis played at VMI. What position? You guessed it - linebackers.

And then, of course, there's safeties coach David Merritt, who's done a fine job with the Giants' young players at that position over the past few years. Merritt was a linebacker who was drafted by the Dolphins and also played for the Cardinals. Merritt also coached linebackers at VMI while Curtis was there and was a defensive assistant/linebackers with the Jets from 2001-03.

MG