The NFL is known as a league where the approaches from head coach to head coach contain very minor variations. All in all, the NFL has an overwhelming perception of being very homogeneous across the board.
However, first-year Giants head coach Ben McAdoo seems to be challenging that notion a bit, based on an article that Bleacher Report did highlighting his unique approach during training camp.
In the piece, BR talks about how the music that the Giants play at practice is like what you'd hear at pretty much any other football practice across the country, littered with rap and classic rock...and all of a sudden the theme song to Happy Days will come over the speakers. McAdoo and his staff are using those type of recognizable TV theme songs from classic TV shows to signal "cool-off and hydration periods" to players.
So instead of the blowing a whistle and telling them to grab some water and catch their breath, McAdoo and his staff are using a mix of unique, fun music to do the same thing. That has to be an interesting, and rather refreshing (no pun intended) change.
McAdoo is also allowing some time for players to sleep in on occasion, sometimes pushing practice back to make that possible. "We call it REM Friday," McAdoo noted after pushing practice back and being out on the field for just over an hour total. "We had a little more REMS last night, ran a bit later. We had a chance to hydrate them and bring it back down and recover this morning."
Hydration and rest are clearly focal points for McAdoo during camp. The new scientific approach should keep guys healthy and fresh so they're able to play to their potential come the season.
The new approach is certainly a change of pace from Coughlin's old-school way, and it will be interesting to see how that translates during games in the fall.
Head here to see more on McAdoo and the new-look Giants, including a few other changes he's brought with him.