Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge will be the new head coach of the NY Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD — Joe Judge is finalizing a deal to become the 19th head coach in the history of the New York Giants, a source confirmed to NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY NETWORK Northeast.

Judge, 38, interviewed for the position Monday, and on a day when many believed the Giants' coaching coronation would happen for Matt Rhule, it's one of Bill Belichick's trusted lieutenants who gets the job.

The selection of Judge is a stunning development and an out-of-the box pick.

The Giants are expected to make an official announcement regarding the hiring of Judge on Wednesday.

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Judge has three Super Bowl rings as a member of Belichick’s staff in New England, where he has served as special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. Before joining the Patriots in 2012, he spent three years on staff with Nick Saban at Alabama.

Judge served as special teams assistant for three seasons with Belichick before ascending to the coordinator role after the 2014 season. He added the title of wide receivers coach last year when Chad O'Shea was hired as offensive coordinator by the Miami Dolphins.

Judge, a Philadelphia native, was in the running for the head coaching job at Mississippi State, his alma mater, and was believed to be the choice to replace Joe Moorhead, who was fired last week.

The news was a stunning twist to what had already been a wild morning, as Rhule, perceived as the top choice, did not get on the plane to New Jersey for his scheduled interview with the Giants. Instead, Rhule opted to sign with the Carolina Panthers.

There will be speculation as to whether the Giants pivoted to Judge on the heels of the Rhule decision, or they were enamored by what they heard Monday and he catapulted to the top of their list - we'll likely hear reports from both sides.

From league sources, Judge impressed enough Monday to thrust himself into the conversation, one that included the 44-year-old Rhule at or near the top. The Giants still wanted to visit with Rhule in order to exchange ideas and see where things stood, ultimately comparing his candidacy with Judge, and at the end of the day Tuesday, make a decision.

That's not what transpired, though, with Rhule getting an offer he could not refuse from the Carolina Panthers, whose owner David Tepper put a 7-year, $60 million offer on the table, plus a reported additional $10 million in incentives - a staggering deal for a first-time NFL head coach.

Rhule reportedly phoned the Giants and told them that he would come to New Jersey for the interview if they could match the offer; they declined, Rhule agreed to terms with the Panthers and the Giants had their decision essentially made for them with Judge.

And the bottom line: the Giants believe Judge is the right man for the job.

The Belichick influence with Judge should not be overstated, and the fact that he handed over his special teams unit to a 30-something assistant speaks volumes about the regard he has for his talent.

Belichick started his coaching career as the Lions’ special teams coach in 1976, and when he left his mark with the Giants early on in his tenure, his duties included special teams as well as defensive assistant and linebackers coach responsibilities.

The Giants were impressed by Judge during his interview Monday, and his coaching track, while rare, is similar to that taken by Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh was the special teams coordinator for nine years under Andy Reid in Philadelphia with the Eagles, and once Reid added defensive backs coach to his resume, he landed at the top of the profession with the head job in Baltimore.

Belichick ultimately did the same for Judge, who is now set to take over as a head coach for the first time. The Giants can only hope Judge follows in similar footsteps, and they're willing to gamble on his chances.

Art Stapleton is the Giants beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Giants analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and sign up for our NFC East newsletter.

Email: stapleton@northjersey.com Twitter: @art_stapleton