Crennel spoke to Giants, focused on Chiefs

Jan 12, 2010 - 11:52 PM EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel has spoken to the New York Giants by telephone about their vacant defensive coordinator's job but is giving the Kansas City Chiefs the first shot at hiring him.

Crennel's agent, Joe Linta, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Tuesday that Crennel talked to the Giants on Monday.

Linta said Crennel is focused on becoming the Chiefs' defensive coordinator.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley has yet to clarify the status of current defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who is still on the staff.

Last week, the Chiefs hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. Weis previously was the offensive coordinator in New England under Bill Belichick at the same time Crennel coordinated the defense.

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli was the Patriots' director of player personnel when Weis and Crennel were coordinators.

The Giants also interviewed Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell for defensive coordinator, which opened when rookie coordinator Bill Sheridan was fired the day after the regular season ended.

Fewell also interviewed for the defensive coordinator's job with the Chicago Bears.

New York gave up 427 points, ranking it third from the bottom in the NFL. Only the Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams gave up more points. Opponents scored at least 40 points in five games, the first time that has happened to the Giants since 1966.

The Giants also fired defensive line coach Mike Waufle.