NFL: Elkhart native Joe Schoen named new NY Giants General Manager

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Joe Schoen was at the top of the New York Giants' list of candidates when they started their search for a new general manager, and the Buffalo Bills assistant GM never left that spot.

The Giants hired the 42-year-old Schoen — a 1997 graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School — as their general manager Friday. It ended a quick but extensive search in which they interviewed nine candidates in the first round and gave three a second interview in finding a replacement for Dave Gettleman.

“Throughout our search, Joe impressed us with his ability to communicate a progressive and comprehensive vision for our team," Giants co-owner John Mara said. "His philosophy and collaborative approach to building a roster and coaching staff align with what we were looking for in a general manager.”

Schoen got the nod over San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters and Kansas City’s executive director of player personnel Ryan Poles, the other two men who got second interviews.

“Joe is the kind of exceptional leader we sought to oversee our football operations,” fellow co-owner Steve Tisch said. “We will do whatever it takes to support Joe’s vision and strategic plan for success. We are excited to begin this next chapter with Joe as our general manager.”

Schoen faces a major rebuilding process. The Giants have made the playoffs once since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. They have had five straight double-digit losing seasons, including a 4-13 record this past season.

Schoen (pronounced Shane) spent the last five seasons as GM Brandon Beane's top assistant. They have rebuilt the Bills, making the playoffs four of five seasons, while winning the last two AFC East titles. Prior to that, Buffalo had a 17-year playoff drought.

His first job will be to find a coach to replace Joe Judge, who was fired last week after posting a 10-23 in two seasons.

Beane described Schoen as a dependable, intelligent leader who knows how to listen to the people around him and then make decisions. He also is fun to be around and is a great evaluator of talent. He was part of the group who scouted and eventually picked Allen to be the Bills' quarterback.

“Joe is a worker,” Beane said in a Zoom call. “You know, there’s no magic. There’s no magic eyes that any of us have. It’s about doing the work, and the New York Giants will never have to worry that Joe didn’t invest the right time in evaluating a player, college or pro.”

Schoen has 20 years of scouting and executive experience in the NFL. Before going to Buffalo, he spent most of the previous decade with the Miami Dolphins’ front office.

While at Elkhart Memorial Schoen played quarterback for the Chargers and switched to wide receiver early in his career at DePauw, a Division III program in Greencastle, Ind. As a senior, he set a since-broken school record for receptions in a season with 80.

Schoen has worked in the NFL since graduating from DePauw University in 2001. He started with the Carolina Panthers where he found a role in scouting before the Dolphins hired him as a national scout in 2008. He served as assistant director of college scouting and director of player personnel before leaving for Buffalo.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: NFL: Elkhart native Joe Schoen named new New York Giants GM