When the New York Giants’ 2024 season came to an end, it was clear that if head coach Brian Daboll got another shot, it would likely be his last. Daboll looked like a genius in his first year, going 9-7-1, winning a road playoff game, and taking home the Coach of the Year award.
Things were looking up for the Giants, but over the next two seasons, everything came crashing back down. Daboll is just 9-25 since that impressive debut, and the Giants don’t appear to be in any better shape than they were when he first took over. That’s probably why he’s ranked as the 30th-best coach in CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin’s recent article:
"Daboll looked like a wizard in his debut, rejuvenating both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley en route to a road playoff win," Benjamin wrote. "That feels like ages ago, with his record only plummeting since then. Unveiling rookie dual threat Jaxson Dart may well buy him more time, unless the aging Russell Wilson proves to be the serviceable downfield arm he's been hunting for years."
Brian Daboll is officially out of excuses in 2025
Daboll was brought in to be the QB whisperer, and in his first season, he looked every bit the part. Daniel Jones had the best statistical year of his career and landed a $160 million contract extension because of it. The deal included a team option after two years—a smart safeguard from the front office in case things went south. And, boy, did they.
Jones tore his ACL in 2023, and the Giants lost Saquon Barkley ahead of the 2024 season. None of that falls squarely on Daboll, but those factors are exactly why he finds himself in this position now.
This season is Daboll’s last chance to prove he’s the right man for the job. It’s why the Giants went with Abdul Carter at No. 3 and traded back into the first round to draft Jaxson Dart. It’s also why Russell Wilson will be on the shortest leash imaginable. Daboll is fighting for his coaching life in 2025. Frankly, there are no excuses left. He finally has a quarterback room with real options, he got his guy for the future, and he’s backed by what could be one of the league’s top defenses.
If there was ever a “prove-it” year for a head coach, it’s Brian Daboll’s 2025 season. If he falls short, the G-Men will be back in the market in 2026.