The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll on Monday, ending a tumultuous tenure marked by numerous challenges and disappointments. Here are five key factors that ultimately doomed his time with the team:
**1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play**
Under Daboll’s leadership, the Giants struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. Despite his reputation as a “QB whisperer,” the team saw brutal performances from Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Russell Wilson. Although Daboll eventually landed his preferred prospect in Jaxson Dart, and Dart showed promise early on, Daboll’s reckless play-calling led to Dart suffering an injury. Even with Dart under center, the Giants failed to produce enough wins.
**2. Late-Game Collapses**
The Giants have lost four games this season after holding at least a 10-point lead. Each loss featured a series of errors and miscues that dismantled what should have been victories. These heartbreaking collapses contributed heavily to the team’s downturn throughout Daboll’s tenure.
**3. Questionable In-Game Decision-Making**
Daboll’s coaching decisions, especially during critical moments late in games, have drawn plenty of criticism. A recent example includes opting for a field goal to go up 20-10 early in the fourth quarter instead of attempting a touchdown on a potential fourth-and-goal from inside the 1-yard line against the Bears. Such decisions arguably cost the Giants opportunities to seal games.
**4. Icy Relations with Staff**
Tensions within the coaching staff also plagued Daboll’s time in New York. He and the team’s first defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale, had a fallout that led to Martindale’s departure after two seasons. Martindale’s successor, Shane Bowen, did not fare any better, resulting in further instability. Additionally, Daboll stripped offensive coordinator Mike Kafka of play-calling duties only to reinstate them later, while special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey was replaced by Michael Ghobrial last year. Multiple position coaches were also replaced, yet results remained disappointing.
**5. Inability to Stop Seasons from Spiraling**
When the Giants hit rough patches over the past three years, things consistently deteriorated instead of improving. This downward spiral fueled fan unrest, led to low attendance, and sometimes even resulted in MetLife Stadium being overtaken by opposing fans.
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With the coaching change now official, the Giants face critical decisions ahead as they look to rebuild and regain the trust of their fans.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/10/sports/five-things-that-ruined-brian-dabolls-failed-giants-tenure/
