Bullen served as the Giants’ interim defensive coordinator this past season after Shane Bowen was let go by interim head coach Mike Kafka in late November. If the opportunity to become a full-time DC comes open, Bullen could end up coaching in Cleveland, potentially working with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Under Bullen’s guidance, the Giants’ defense showed improvement in the season’s late stretch. New York ranked 25th in EPA per play and dead last against the run overall, but in the back half of the year, the unit allowed about 18 points per game when he was calling the plays. His influence also showed up in the pass rush, with Brian Burns posting a career-high 16.5 sacks.
Bullen’s impact extended to player development as well. He helped Abdul Carter, a rookie edge rusher who finished with 12 pressures, a productive contribution that ranked 15th among qualified players. Carter and other players reportedly thrived under Bullen’s coaching style, which teammates described as inspiring and constructive rather than punitive.
Giants personnel moves aside, Bullen has drawn interest from multiple clubs. He was retained by the organization from the prior Giants staff, a sign that his work left a positive impression within the roster and front office as a potential long-term defensive coordinator candidate.
From a purely geographic and organizational standpoint, the Browns’ DC job stands out as more attractive than the Cardinals’ opening. Cleveland finished the 2025 season with one of the league’s best defenses by EPA per play (ranked around fifth) and has a premier talent in Garrett to tutor. Arizona, by contrast, ranked in the lower half on defense, presenting a broader rebuild challenge. If Bullen has the option, the Cleveland opportunity would likely be the more desirable fit.
