New York Giants' Brian Burns champions Charlie Bullen as interim DC

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns expressed disappointment over the abrupt dismissal of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, but voiced strong support for his replacement, linebackers coach Charlie Bullen, during his Tuesday press conference.

Burns learned of Bowen's firing casually at home.

"I heard about it; I was at the crib, I think (Jevon) Holland called me. Holland called me and told me," he said. "It was just a bummer because I like Shane and I worked with him this whole year being a leader, well, and last year. But being a leader of the defense, we had to develop a certain relationship, so that's why it's a bummer.

"But like I just said, it's the nature of the business. Once you have that first fire, things start to kind of happen from there. I've seen it before, so it's not like a crazy shocker, but it's just tough sometimes having that relationship with somebody for so long, and then they just leave, you know?"

Despite the sting, Burns endorsed Bullen unequivocally, highlighting their bond.

"Charlie's a smart coach. I feel like he's been around a lot, he has a lot of experience, he was under a great tree, and just talking ball with him every day, watching extensive film with him every day, I picked up on his football knowledge," Burns said. "I feel like on our defensive staff, we could have really went either way. All our coaches are experienced and are very smart, so I feel like we could have went either way, but they chose Charlie, and I'm grateful for that because me and him have a very, very tight relationship."

Burns wasn't surprised by the choice over other ex-defensive coordinators on staff.

"No, I wasn't really surprised. Like I said, we could have went either way. I wouldn't have been mad with any of the choices, but I'm just a little bit more grateful because Charlie's been in my room for two years," he said.

Under Bullen, Burns credits growth.

"Really, I feel like he really brought out the best in all of us, so to speak. I feel like (Kayvon Thibodeaux) Thibs is playing his best ball he's played since he's been here," he said. "I've been playing the best ball of my career from a rushing standpoint, from a dropping standpoint, really just understanding the entire defense.

"So, I really feel like he's getting the best out of us. But other than that, Charlie is a guy that he's going to shoot it straight to you. You're not really going to sugarcoat much, and yeah, he's going to demand your best because he's going to give you his."

Time will tell if Bullen's best leads to the Giants finally closing out games in the fourth quarter.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Brian Burns champions Charlie Bullen as interim DC