Retired, Not Fired

The New York Giants took the easy way out by making Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride their sacrificial lamb for their 7-9 season. Gilbride wasn't fired. Instead the team said he "retired". This strikes me as being very disingenuous. He was there for two Super Bowl wins, but it wasn't good enough to continue in that capacity.

The Giants brain trust held a top level meeting to dissect the season. Apparently, all things pointed at the offense and Gilbride. They blame him for Hakeem Nicks not having any touchdowns passes this season. What about Eli Manning? Does he share part of the blame, as well as the offensive line?

It would be a public relations disaster for the Giants to fire a coach who lead them to Super Bowl wins twice. They took the easy way out, but it doesn't mean they will be any more successful next season.