Giants Retain Defensive Coach Charlie Bullen

Bullen will remain on staff as run game coordinator after serving as interim defensive coordinator last season.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The New York Giants have agreed to a contract extension with defensive coach Charlie Bullen, who will stay on the team's staff in 2026 as the run game coordinator. Bullen served as the interim defensive coordinator last season after the team fired Shane Bowen, and he drew interest from other teams for coordinator jobs, but ultimately decided to remain with the Giants.

Why it matters

Retaining Bullen provides continuity on the Giants' defensive coaching staff and allows him to build on the progress made last season, while also giving him a path to eventually becoming the full-time defensive coordinator.

The details

Bullen originally joined the Giants as the outside linebackers coach, but took over as interim defensive coordinator midway through the 2025 season after the team parted ways with Shane Bowen. Despite drawing interest from other teams for coordinator jobs, Bullen agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the Giants as the run game coordinator in 2026.

  • Bullen served as the Giants' interim defensive coordinator during the 2025 season.
  • Bullen agreed to a contract extension with the Giants in February 2026.

The players

Charlie Bullen

Defensive coach who will remain on the New York Giants' staff in 2026 as the run game coordinator, after serving as the team's interim defensive coordinator last season.

Shane Bowen

Former Giants defensive coordinator who was fired by the team during the 2025 season.

John Harbaugh

Head coach of the New York Giants.

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What they’re saying

“Bullen will also have the title of run game coordinator on John Harbaugh's staff.”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Media reporter (NFL Media)

What’s next

Bullen will look to build on the progress made by the Giants' defense last season and potentially earn the full-time defensive coordinator job in the future.

The takeaway

The Giants' decision to retain Charlie Bullen provides stability on the defensive coaching staff and allows him to continue developing in a key role, while also positioning him as a potential future defensive coordinator for the team.