The Pacer

Issue date: 1/23/07 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: Jerry Pinkus Jerry Reese, left, new New York Giants general manager, and head coach Tom Coughlin pose after a Giants press conference announcing Reese's hiring.

The New York Giants made a huge statement in hiring UTM alum and former football player and coach, Jerry Reese, to be their general manager, that minorities are more than capable of holding front office positions if given the chance.

Over the years the NFL has been criticized for its lack of hiring minority coaches and front office personnel. Before Reese's hiring, there were only two African American general managers in NFL history.

Ironically, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Reese and the Giants helped increase the number of high profile minority positions and became an example for other NFL organizations to follow.

Reese played football at UTM from 1981-84. The Tiptonville native is considered one of the top defensive backs in school history. He was an undersized defender but hard hitter and was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection. He was named to the second team All-GSC Decade team for the 1980s as selected by administrators and representatives from across the league's region. He led the GSC in interceptions as a sophomore and was a two-time All-GSC selection. He is tied for fourth on the UTM list with 12 career interceptions.

Following his terrific playing career, Reese served as a student assistant and as a graduate assistant before becoming head secondary coach from 1988-1993. He became the assistant head coach in 1993. In 1994, Reese was hired by the Giants as a professional scout. He has been with the Giants organization ever since, spending the last four years as Director of Player Personnel.

Reese was selected by owners John Mara and Jonathan Tisch to succeed Ernie Accorsi as the franchise's general manager. He now carries the title of senior vice president and general manager. "I am thrilled to be part of recognizing Jerry Reese as absolutely the appropriate person to be the general manager of the New York Football Giants, starting today and for many, many years to come," said Tisch.

Reese will conduct the team's player draft in April and work closely with Giant's head coach Tom Coughlin, who was criticized for the Giant's disappointing finish to the 2006 season. "I'm looking forward very much to working with him," Coughlin said.

Reese is aware of the great responsibility his new position requires and what his hiring means. "Not to sound cliché, but I really feel like it's my time to carry the torch," Reese said. "Many people went before me who suffered through this process and now it's my time. I'm looking forward to this challenge."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools