Giants’ Landon Collins On Bill Belichick’s Coaching Style: ‘It’s Too Strict’

Rumors have recently begun circulating that Bill Belichick is leaving the New England Patriots to become the New York Giants‘ new head coach, but two new developments seem to dispel this speculation.

Landon Collins comments on Bill Belichick

Belichick — who has led the Patriots since 2000 — shot down these rumors on Monday, and added that he “absolutely” plans to return to the team next year.

On Friday, ESPN published an explosive story about a “rift” that has developed within the Patriots organization, and that Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft — a trio that has helped turn the franchise into a dynasty over the last 18 years — may soon be parting ways.

Brady, Belichick and Kraft denied the rumors in a joint statement, and now that Belichick’s name has been tossed into contention to lead the hopeless Giants — who are coming off a 3-13 season that saw second-year coach Ben McAdoo and General Manager Jerry Reese both fired — one member of Big Blue’s squad has stepped out to criticize Belichick’s coaching style.

“The way he runs his organization, I’ve been through that process. I don’t like it,” Giants safety Landon Collins said to the New York Post. “It’s too strict. …. He’s a great winner, he’s a great coach. I don’t know if [his style] is what the organization really wants.”

“I talked to guys who played for [his] team. They love winning, but at the same time, they don’t want to be on the team.”

Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler, was drafted by the Giants as a second-round pick in 2015 out of Alabama, where he played under Nick Saban. The safety turned 24 on Wednesday.

The Giants have already named former Carolina Panthers executive Dave Gettleman as their GM, and are still interviewing several NFL figures for the head coaching position. Among those New York has interviewed are former Denver Broncos assistant head coach/running back coach Eric Studesville, Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Within their own ranks, the Giants have also considered defensive coordinator/interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo and both Patriots coordinators: Matt Patricia (defense) and Josh McDaniels (offense). Of the latter four, Patricia is the only one with no prior head coaching experience.

The Patriots will host the Tennessee Titans in Saturday’s Divisional Round Game.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants during the NFL International series game between Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)