The New York Giants introduced Pat Shurmur to the media Friday, and the new head coach sounded incredibly optimistic about the existing players and personnel of a team that finished 3-13 last season.
While former Giants coach Ben McAdoo unceremoniously demoted longtime starting quarterback Eli Manning last season, Shurmur said he thinks Manning can still get the job done at age 37.
"I think he's got years left. How much? I don't know. ... He's an outstanding player," Shurmur said.
Shurmur emitted positive vibes on many other aspects of the Giants, saying there are "a lot of very talented players on this team." As for new defensive coordinator James Bettcher, Shurmur called him "a rising star in this business."
Shurmur, who has served as the offensive coordinator of the Rams, Eagles and most recently the Vikings in recent years, says he will call his own plays for the Giants, but the identity of his offensive coordinator remains "behind the scenes" for now. He also indicated some possible assistant coach hires are currently on the Patriots or Eagles staffs.
As for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Shurmur said, "I need to get to know him. I need to get to know what makes him tick, and I need to talk to him about what we're looking for from a guy who plays from the New York Giants."
Shurmur noted he and general manager Dave Gettleman are in agreement that winning teams are built in the trenches.
Shurmur said Gettleman told him, "'It starts with the offensive line.'"
"If you can't block and you can't pressure the QB, this game gets really, really hard," Shurmur said.
The introductory media conference did feature one surprising moment. Just as Shurmur said, "It's an honor and a privilege to be the head coach of the New York Giants," the lights went off in the auditorium.
Watch the lights go out on Pat Shurmur ... pic.twitter.com/7UcaMH9WFI
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) January 26, 2018