ESPN's Riddick interviews for Giants' GM opening

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- ESPN analyst Louis Riddick became the third candidate to interview for the New York Giants general manager job. He met with co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch and consultant Ernie Accorsi on Thursday about the job.

Riddick joins former Carolina Panthers general manager and former Giants executive Dave Gettleman and current vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross. Gettleman interviewed on Wednesday and Ross on Monday, with interim general manager Kevin Abrams expected to interview next on Friday, according to a source.

All three are known to have strong relationships with Accorsi, who was a longtime general manager for the Giants and is part of the interviewing process. Accorsi is serving as a consultant in their search.

Gettleman is considered to be the early favorite to land the job.

The Giants (2-12) are looking to fill the void left vacant when they fired general manager Jerry Reese and coach Ben McAdoo two weeks ago. Riddick has been with ESPN since May 2013 when he joined as an NFL front office insider. He previously served as the director of pro personnel with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The former NFL safety also spent time in the Washington Redskins front office.

Riddick was described as "really smart" by one NFL front office executive. Another former co-worker at one of his NFL stops described him as "legit."

Riddick is known around the league as a grinder who loves the game and is a tape junkie. His passion has been apparent during his time at ESPN.

The former ninth-round draft choice by the San Francisco 49ers in 1991 is also known to be good with coaches. He became close with the coaching staffs at each of his previous stops, and as a former player knows how to speak their language.

The new Giants general manager will be involved in their coaching search as well.

It is believed in league circles that if Riddick were hired he would want to bring New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels with him to the Giants. Riddick and McDaniels have gotten close over the past few years, and Riddick would have been the general manager if McDaniels was hired for the 49ers job earlier this year.

The Giants' position is desirable for general manager and coaching candidates. The organization is generally known as one of the most loyal and patient franchises in the league. Reese had been the team's general manager since 2007 and with the organization since 1994.