The Giants have hired Ladell Betts as their new running backs coach, making him the fourth RB coach in as many years under head coach Brian Daboll. The revolving door at the position hasn’t helped, but Betts arrives with a strong track record, spending the last four years coaching Iowa’s backfield. That includes working with Tyrone Tracy Jr., the lone bright spot in the Giants’ backfield last season.
Tracy Jr. showed real promise in 2024, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and looking like a legitimate starting-caliber back. He’s not the youngest at 25, but the dude has fresh legs after switching from wide receiver to running back late in college. If the Giants are serious about making Tracy a key piece of their offense, bringing in a coach like Betts—who knows him well—is a smart move.
Ladell Betts can maximize Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s potential
Betts is stepping into a tough situation. The Giants ranked 23rd in total rushing yards and 20th in rushing touchdowns. Not exactly heavy-hitter numbers—especially compared to Barkley. The offensive line wasn’t exactly helpful, but the RBs didn’t set the world on fire either. Tracy Jr. was a rare bright spot, flashing explosive ability and versatility in a relatively limited role.
If there’s anyone who can help him take that next step, it might be Betts. The former Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) running back spent the last four years at Iowa coaching a run-heavy scheme. One of his former backs, Kaleb Johnson, led the Big Ten in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2023. Funny enough, Tracy Jr. was a wide receiver when Betts first arrived at Iowa in 2021, so there’s familiarity here that could play a potentially cool role.
And let’s be real—Tracy Jr. needs all the help he can get. With Barkley gone and the Giants unlikely to make a splash signing in free agency, he’s their best in-house option. Betts’ experience should help him improve as a rusher and pass catcher, two things that will be crucial if the Giants want to be remotely explosive offensively or wish to help their new signal caller.
The biggest issue? Turnover. Daboll’s staff has seen a ridiculous amount of coaching changes, and the running backs coach position has been the biggest turnstile. Betts will be the fourth in four years, and the Giants need him to stick around longer than his predecessors.
Stability is crucial, especially for a young back trying to develop into a full-time starter. But also for everyone else on the staff and on the roster.
While this doesn’t erase the mistake of letting Barkley walk by any means, it does show the Giants recognize they need to invest some resources in their current backfield. If Betts can maximize Tracy Jr.’s potential, maybe—just maybe—running backs won't dominate New York headlines again.
