Jets' Players Congratulate Giants' New Special Teams Coordinator

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 1/27/24

Michael Ghobrial is moving from Florham Park to East Rutherford. After three seasons as the New York Jets' assistant special teams coach, Ghobrial has joined the New York Giants' staff as the special teams coordinator.

The Giants officially announced their latest hire on Thursday, tabbing the former Jets' assistant to replace the recently-dismissed Thomas McGaughey. Prior to landing with Gang Green in 2021, Ghobrial spent 12 seasons as an assistant in the collegiate ranks.

With coordinator Brant Boyer leading the way, the Jets' special teams have been a well-respected unit in recent years and, as an understudy, Ghobrial was partially responsible. Ghobrial's former pupils provided rave reviews of the emerging leader on the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

Using their personal X accounts, punter Thomas Morstead and special teams ace Justin Hardee posted congratulatory messages about Ghobrial shortly after the news broke on Thursday.

Morstead, a 15-year NFL veteran and former Super Bowl champion, reposted the Giants' announcement and added "Good things happen to great people! Congrats Ghobi!"

After signing a one-year deal last March, Morstead set Jets' franchise records for highest gross punting average (48.8) and net punting average (41.8). He led the NFL with 54 punts of at least 50 yards and dropped a league-high seven kicks inside the opponent's 5-yard line.

Hardee, who earned a 2022 Pro Bowl selection under Ghobrial's watch, also reposted the Giants' message and added a personal touch.

"Congratulations to my guy!! My gunner coach the past 3 years of straight work we put in day in day out ! Well deserved man! So happy for my guy appreciate you for everything," said Hardee on X.

Despite missing six games due to a hamstring injury, Hardee made his presence felt on special teams as one of the league's most-effective gunners in 2023.