Shane Bowen expected to stay with Giants despite link to Patriots Mike Vrabel

Expect Shane Bowen to be back with the Giants in 2025 for a second season as the defensive coordinator.Sure, the less-than-shocking news Sunday that Mike Vrabel was hired as the Patriots head coach sparked speculation that Bowen could be headed to New England, considering Bowen made the calls on defense for four years when Vrabel was the Titans head coach.The belief, according to sources, is that Bowen wants to remain with the Giants and that Vrabel is thinking of going in a different direction as he assembles his new coaching staff.Vrabel in this hiring cycle met with the Bears, Jets and Patriots.

In those interviews, he discussed and revealed his wish list of coordinators.It is believed Bowen’s name did not come up, which likely indicates Vrabel is not pining for a reunion.

Now that Vrabel officially has the job, he could, of course, ask the Giants for permission to speak with Bowen.The Giants could block the interview, if requested, for what would be a lateral move.

The plan at this point is to move forward with Bowen, even though his unit did not distinguish itself amid a 3-14 season — although Bowen’s defense certainly performed better than the offense directed by head coach Brian Daboll.Daboll wants Bowen to return.It looks as if the Giants will be losing someone to the Patriots, though, as Ryan Cowden, the executive advisor to general manager Joe Schoen, is expected to join Vrabel’s front office in New England.Cowden and Vrabel worked together in Tennessee.Some observers thought Bowen’s job security came into question the day after the season ended, when co-owner John Mara, after announcing Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen would be back for a fourth year, sounded exasperated with the showing of the defense.“Quite frankly, I didn’t think our defense played very well this year at all,’’ Mara said.

“I know that when you have an offense that performs like that, you’re putting more pressure on your defense.But we need to make improv...