Will Brian Daboll call plays for New York Giants? That depends who you ask

Brian Daboll, who called plays for Josh Allen, might not have those same responsibilities for the New York Giants, after being hired as head coach 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — On the surface, one of the attributes that made newly hired New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll a hot commodity this hiring cycle was his ability to call plays and his role in turning quarterback Josh Allen into an MVP candidate, but he might not reprise that role now that he has a top job.

“I’m not going to rule that out,” New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said Monday. “If he is, or isn’t right now, we don’t have an offensive coordinator. If for some reason he had to, ideally he doesn’t, I’d prefer he manages the game.”

Schoen admitting he’d prefer Daboll manage the game rather than call plays is a fascinating one.

Especially when you consider Daboll’s recent track record.

And the fact that the head coaches of the NFL’s final four teams; Zac Taylor, Sean McVay, Kyle Shannahan, and Andy Reid all call the offensive plays, would seem to underscore the value in an offensive-minded head coach calling the game.

The Bills’ offense, with Daboll serving as offensive coordinator, finished as the NFL’s No. 5 rated offense, as Allen passed for 4,407 yards with 36 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. Daboll’s arrival seemingly signals that the organization is setting out to help Daniel Jones reach similar heights.

As the Giants go through the process of hiring Daboll’s first offensive coordinator, Bills quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey has been linked to the job, which could impact Daboll’s game-day responsibilities and be a factor in who calls the plays, or even his comfort level passing off the job.

But, Daboll was the only offensive coach the New York Giants interviewed, and on the surface, it would seem a major reason why is his ability as play-caller.

It would be a mild surprise if Daboll winds up handing off those opportunities.

“We’ll see,” Daboll said, when made aware of Schoen’s comments. “We’ll see how it goes. At the end of the day, this [offensive coordinator] hire will be important. We’ve done a lot of interviews for that spot right now.

“We’ll find the right guy. We’ll work together. If he can call the plays, and he’s comfortable with that, I’m fine with that. We have to make sure we’re doing everything to help our offense, help our team the best we can.”