Matt Rhule is a hot name again in a New York football coaching search.
The Baylor football coach was quickly linked to the Giants job after the Monday morning firing of Pat Shurmur. Rhule was deep in talks with the Jets a year ago before a disagreement over the amount of control he would have with the franchise derailed the momentum.
The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy reported that Rhule has been interested in the job for years and wanted to be considered for the opening two years ago that went to Shurmur. While that did not happen, the Giants now have mutual interest in Rhule.
The Giants have also requested permission from the Patriots to interview offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, ESPN.com reported.
Rhule, 44, has turned around programs at Temple and Baylor. His lone season in the NFL was with the Giants in 2012 as an assistant offensive line coach.
Baylor, ranked No. 7 in the country, is preparing to play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night. He recently held a team meeting with his players with the inevitable NFL rumors coming.
“He said, if he has an opportunity to talk with an NFL team, it would be kinda dumb not to,” linebacker Terrel Bernard told the Dallas Morning News. “Just for him, personally. We have a veteran team, I think all the guys understand where he’s coming from.”
Rhule and McDaniels have also reportedly received interest from the Panthers, who fired Ron Rivera earlier this season.