From Genius to Hot Seat: Brian Daboll’s Giants Tenure Is Teetering on the Edge
Just two years ago, Brian Daboll was being hailed as the NFL’s next great coaching mind after guiding the New York Giants to a stunning playoff appearance in his debut season. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s heading into training camp with his job on the line and his name plastered all over “hot seat” lists.
What went wrong?
After that unexpected postseason run in 2022, the Giants completely unraveled. Back-to-back losing seasons—including a disastrous 3-14 finish in 2024—have plunged the team into crisis mode and cast serious doubt on Daboll’s leadership.
Pro Football Network recently ranked the Giants’ offensive staff just 21st in the league, showing little optimism for a turnaround. A big reason? The ongoing tug-of-war between Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka over play-calling duties.
“Daboll took over the play-calling last season,” PFN noted, “but the results were abysmal. The Giants’ offense ranked 31st in QB+, one of the worst in football. It looks like he’s finally ready to hand the reins back to Kafka.”
A Silver Lining?
There was one bright spot in an otherwise bleak 2024 season—rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who flashed elite potential despite subpar quarterback play. PFN praised Daboll for scheming ways to get him involved, even in a broken offense.
But let’s be real: since 2022, the Giants’ offensive production has collapsed. Once a top-tier rushing team, they’ve since plummeted to the bottom of the league in most key categories—especially through the air, ranking 31st in passing in 2023 and only slightly better (28th) last year.
If Daboll fully hands off play-calling and Kafka can spark some life into the offense, there’s a slim chance they can turn things around. But make no mistake: this season is make-or-break.
Daboll came in looking like a franchise savior. Now, he’s fighting to prove he still deserves the headset.
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