\u201cI\u2019m not going to get into the details of what happened with B. Cox \u2014 just the same as I\u2019m not going to get into the details of how we handle our players,\u201d Kafka said. \u201cBeing in this job for the last few weeks \u2026 I think what I\u2019ve learned is, \u2018How can we continue to put this team in the best position to win games?\u2019 And that\u2019s what I\u2019m evaluating.\u201d<\/p>\n
If the bye-week change strictly was based on on-field performance and being ranked last in the NFL in rushing defense, Kafka likely would\u2019ve started with holding defensive line coach Andre Patterson accountable instead of his top lieutenant.<\/p>\n
![\"Bryan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/new-york-giants-coach-bryan-4794634.jpg\")
Bryan Cox Charles Wenzelberg \/ New York Post<\/p>\n
The notoriously outspoken Cox was an ally of former head coach Brian Daboll.<\/p>\n
Daboll and Cox had a close player-coach relationship in the early 2000s, and Daboll gave Cox a second chance after he was fired by the Falcons in 2017 for allegedly shoving a Cardinals scout. Some people within the Giants were not pleased with the decision to elevate Charlie Bullen over other veteran assistants as interim defensive coordinator and questioned whether general manager Joe Schoen\u2019s longtime relationship with Bullen played a part in the decision.<\/p>\n
It is unknown what prompted Cox\u2019s dismissal. He poured a lot of time into developing defensive tackle Jordon Riley, who was just plucked off the practice squad by the Packers.<\/p>\n
![\"Mike](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/mike-kafka-interim-head-coach-116556180.jpg\")
Mike Kafka Corey Sipkin for the NY POST<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything top to bottom, taking the time to do that, being very detailed, I would say just having a good pulse of what this team needs and understanding how I want to get that done and just having a clear message there,\u201d Kafka said. \u201cSo, that\u2019s what we thought was best for the team. That\u2019s what I thought was best for the team. So, we went with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Giants opened the 21-day return-to-practice windows for CB Art Green and LB Darius Muasau, both of whom have missed four games on injured reserve.<\/p>\n
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The returns from injury of RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., who hurt his hip at the end of the last game, edge Kayvon Thibodeaux and LB Micah McFadden would provide more help.<\/p>\n
McFadden, who has been out since Week 1 with a Lisfranc foot injury, \u201cdoes have a chance\u201d to return. Kafka had less information available on Tracy and Thibodeaux.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Giants signed Cam Johnston to their practice after a tryout Tuesday for five punters, The Post confirmed. Johnston, who was cut by the Bills in November, could be needed Sunday for his 100th career game because P Jamie Gillan is dealing with an injury.<\/p>\n