As the New York Giants’ frustrating 2024 campaign nears its end, several members of Big Blue’s coaching staff will find themselves on the hot seat this offseason. Naturally, attention will center on the statuses of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen heading into 2025. However, the Giants could also have a vacancy at offensive coordinator if they decide to move on from Mike Kafka.
Beyond coaching and front-office decisions, New York faces a pivotal choice with their first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sitting at 2-13 after a franchise-record 10-game losing streak, the Giants are projected to hold the first overall pick.
Addressing the quarterback position will be the team’s top priority. The Giants are expected to target Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Recently, the possibility of Sanders landing in New York has gained momentum. The Buffaloes quarterback has publicly expressed that he believes the Giants will draft him and that he views New York as an ideal landing spot.
In a potential hint to the franchise, Sanders even sported custom red and blue Giants cleats for the Alamo Bowl against BYU, signaling his interest in joining Big Blue in 2025.
If the Giants do draft Sanders, his offensive coordinator at Colorado, Pat Shurmur, could follow him to New York this offseason. With the Giants potentially parting ways with Kafka after three seasons, Shurmur’s familiarity with Sanders could make him a logical candidate.
Giants fans are no strangers to Shurmur, who served as New York’s head coach during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, compiling an overall record of 9-23. While his experience with Sanders might make him an intriguing option as offensive coordinator, bringing him back might not be the best move for the Giants—and here’s why.
The Giants have better options for OC than Pat Shurmur
Bringing Shurmur back as offensive coordinator would be a significant misstep, even if the team drafts Shedeur Sanders. While Shurmur has prior chemistry with Sanders and familiarity with the franchise, hiring him would represent a step backward at a time when the Giants need to move forward.
Such a move could raise questions about the team’s identity and direction. It’s a risk that owner John Mara, already frustrated with the Giants’ performance, may not be willing to take.
Shurmur’s track record as head coach in New York leaves much to be desired, and giving him another opportunity in a prominent role doesn’t make much sense. Furthermore, there are more attractive offensive coordinator candidates available on the market this offseason.
One alternative worth considering is Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell. The former NFL quarterback has been with Detroit since 2021 and has worked closely with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is expected to be a top head-coaching candidate this offseason thanks to the Lions’ success as one of the league’s premier offenses.
Brunell and Johnson deserve considerable credit for quarterback Jared Goff’s development and the Lions’ offensive resurgence. Brunell’s experience and recent success could make him a much more compelling option for the Giants’ next offensive coordinator.