Giants fire Brian Daboll; Mike Kafka named interim head coach
The New York Giants dismissed head coach Brian Daboll on Monday, one day after another double-digit lead evaporated in a 24–20 loss at Chicago.
Team owners John Mara and Steve Tisch called the past few seasons “nothing short of disappointing,” adding, “we have not met our expectations for this franchise.” Offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka will serve as interim head coach. No other staff changes were announced at this time.
General manager Joe Schoen remains and will lead the search for the next head coach. Mara noted, “We feel like Joe has assembled a good young nucleus of talent… [but] the results over the past three years have not been what any of us want.”
On the field, New York is 2–8 for the third straight year and 11–33 since the start of 2023. Daboll exits with a Giants record of 20–40–1 after a Coach of the Year debut in 2022 (9–7–1 with a playoff win in Minnesota), followed by steady decline.
This season’s flashpoint has been late-game execution. The Giants blew double-digit leads in four road losses, including two losses after leading by 10+ points with under four minutes left, a rarity in the Super Bowl era. Sunday’s defeat also saw rookie QB Jaxson Dart leave with a concussion; it was his fourth concussion evaluation of the year (including preseason).
Daboll’s tenure was turbulent beyond results: an ugly split with DC Wink Martindale in 2023, a $100,000 fine for approaching the blue medical tent while Dart was being examined, and persistent headset and sideline incidents. Personnel churn and staff reshuffles followed, but wins did not.
What changes now
Interim HC/play-caller: Kafka is expected to continue calling plays, providing continuity for Dart once he clears protocol. Kafka’s reputation from Kansas City and recent play-calling under Daboll should stabilize the offense.
Locker room: Players indicated postgame that accountability at the top was inevitable. The question shifts to how the roster responds to Kafka’s steadier approach.
Schoen’s mandate: Ownership reaffirmed Schoen. Recent draft hits (including Dart) and a “young nucleus” underpin the search. Defensive performance, especially fourth-quarter collapses (75 points allowed across the past four games), puts pressure on DC Shane Bowen the rest of the way.
The search: Kafka will be evaluated, but Schoen is expected to cast a broad net at season’s end. (Names and rumors omitted here; we’re sticking to confirmed information.)
Daboll’s arc in New York was stark: early overachievement, then a slide marked by blown leads, QB injuries, and sideline volatility. The Giants pivot midseason, betting that steadier execution and a clearer voice for Dart can reset the floor.
💭 Your Turn
Was this the right timing for the Giants to move on from Daboll? Should Kafka be the favorite for the full-time job if the offense stabilizes?
Comment your thoughts below!