EAST RUTHERFORD —Head coach Ben McAdoo has been fired from the 2-10 giants after two years on the job, ESPN reports.

The firing — which ESPN first said it learned of through anonymous sources but later confirmed via McAdoo — was hardly unexpected. ESPN and other outlets were already reporting Sunday McAdoo could be let go within 24 hours of Sunday's 17-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders.

General manager Jerry Reese was also fired, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter

General manager Jerry Reese's job is also in danger, according to an early ESPN report. Reese had been with the Giants since 1994 and general manager for the last decade.

The team is facing a losing season after making the playoffs last year during McAdoo's first season as coach. McAdoo came under more fire after benching Eli Manning as quarterback in favor of backup Geno Smith last week. Giants co-owner John Mara said there was "probably" a better way to handle the situation.

McAdoo had said that he gave Manning the option to start but that he would likely not play in the second half. Manning said he would rather not start.

Big Blue Shame on You billboard on Route 80 in Elmwood Park
Big Blue Shame on You billboard on Route 80 in Elmwood Park (nolimitceo via Instagram)
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The Giants may have been looking spare McAdoo the wrath of Giants fans during the final three home games of the season, according to Kevin Williams of the Shore Sports Network.

"Management is trying to prevent more backlash from fans although it might play a small part. I think it’s a matter of ownership trying to stop the bleeding and turn the corner of what will likely be the worst season for the Giants since 1983. Why wait until New Year’s Day when this season is shot and you know a change is coming? You can be sure with McAdoo gone the vetting begins on the next coach," Williams said.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported on Twitter that a group of former players were talking about wearing Manning jerseys on the sidelines of next week's game against the Cowboys. Glazer also reported that the team has sent an email to all employees asking them not to comment on Manning's situation because of "outside ramifications."

McAdoo had said the quarterback starter is a week-to-week decision and that Smith did nothing that would deny him the chance to start next week against the Cowboys at home.

Manning had said after the game he does not want to see McAdoo get fired.

"When a coach gets fired it's usually because the team and the players and myself haven't performed up to our duties," he said.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ.

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