Mike Sullivan has spent 11 years as a member of the Giants' coaching staff, but he clearly saw the writing on the wall. Three days after new general manager Dave Gettleman gave the Giants' coaches the freedom to pursue other opportunities, Sullivan has landed a job as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach, according to Mike Klis.
Sullivan, who had been the Giants' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, did not receive an interview for the team's head coaching vacancy. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who took over as interim coach after Ben McAdoo was fired on Dec. 4, interviewed for the full-time position on Wednesday.
Sullivan surfacing in Denver could make the Broncos a more appealing destination for Eli Manning if the Giants cut ties with the 37-year-old quarterback. Sullivan and Manning have developed a strong bond after working together for over a decade.
Could Eli join Sullivan in Denver?
Sullivan joined the Giants' offensive staff as the wide receivers coach when Manning was drafted in 2004. Sullivan remained the wide receivers coach until 2009 before spending two seasons as Manning's quarterbacks coach.
Sullivan left to become the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator in 2012, but he returned to the Giants as quarterbacks coach in 2015. He spent one season in that role before getting promoted to offensive coordinator for the past two seasons.
The Giants have the No. 2 pick in the draft, which could lead the team to select Manning's successor. Manning, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, has repeatedly said that he wants to remain with the Giants. Gettleman said he won't make a decision on the two-time Super Bowl MVP's future until watching film from this season.
The Broncos, who have the fifth pick in the draft, are expected to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. Manning's older brother, Peyton, won a Super Bowl in Denver after joining the Broncos late in his career.
The Jaguars, who are the No. 3 in the AFC, have been identified as another logical destination for Manning if he leaves the Giants. The obvious tie to Jacksonville is former Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who is the Jaguars' executive vice president of football operations.
McAdoo had been rumored as a potential candidate for the Broncos' quarterbacks coaching job. It seems more likely that McAdoo will go back to Green Bay if he returns to the sideline next season.
Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.