Giants' Charlie Bullen embraces interim role amid defensive overhaul

Charlie Bullen addressed reporters Friday for the first time as the New York Giants' interim defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Shane Bowen.

The 41-year-old outside linebackers coach described the week as an "adjustment," with the staff pulling extra weight while maintaining core processes.

"At the end of the day, it's football, and our process has stayed the same as much as it can. Just trying to identify how we have to game plan like we typically do. And if there's any areas that people need to do a little bit more in, we will. But just more volume for me, more stuff to get through than before." Bullen said, emphasizing game planning tweaks and increased volume on his plate.

Bullen highlighted tackling circuits led by defensive line coaches Dre Patterson and Bryan Cox as a collective push to sharpen fundamentals. Addressing the Giants' porous run defense -- exposed throughout the season -- he pinpointed scheme alignment, communication lapses, technique flaws, and missed tackles.

"It's multifaceted," he noted, vowing staff-wide improvements to execute cleanly and finish games. "That's something that we have to fix. If you want to win games, you have to finish."

With no prior play-calling experience, Bullen is prepping via simulated reps and film study, drawing on years of in-game suggestions. His philosophy: "Players over plays." Maximizing stars like Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Jevon Holland remains key, avoiding wholesale scheme changes after months invested.

Influenced by mentor Vance Joseph, Bullen hinted at potential aggression but stayed coy.

"Vance is a great friend of mine and a big mentor of mine. And we talk quite a bit, even before this type of thing, and he's influenced me for sure, so we'll see where it goes. We'll see where it goes," he said.

Facing Josh McDaniels' surging Patriots offense Monday night in primetime adds pressure -- Drake Maye is "humming" -- but Bullen views it as "just another game." Interim head coach Mike Kafka's involvement feels "about normal," ensuring smooth workflow.

Bullen eyes an "all-hands-on-deck" effort. "Exciting opportunity," he called it, leaning on a talented room to play fast and succeed.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Charlie Bullen embraces interim role amid defensive overhaul