The New York Giants will have a coaching search this offseason, and the 2025 season has shown that the franchise absolutely needs it. The need for new leadership has been evident on the field, in New York’s 2-11 record, but it has especially been on display with the things going on off the field for the franchise.
The most recent off-field activity that raised eyebrows was the firing of assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox. The Giants sent him on his way during the bye week, and did so in a very quiet fashion. However, details have since emerged that Cox was fired after his reaction to a seating-arrangement change on the team flight. While it’s unclear what exactly Cox did, the fact that situations like this are happening at all makes it clear New York needs a reset to rid itself of all dysfunction.
Mike Kafka again declined to share any details on what led to the firing of assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox during the bye week.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) December 10, 2025
Sources say the final straw was Cox’s reaction to the seating arrangement being changed on the flight home from the Patriots game. The…
Giants reason for firing Bryan Cox points to complete dysfunction
According to Dan Duggan’s report, on the flight home from the Week 13 game against the New England Patriots, a decision was made to sit the Giants’ assistant coaches in the back of the plane, as opposed to near the front, where they typically sit. Cox reportedly had a reaction to the change, and that was characterized as the final straw. Duggan also made it clear that Cox was close with fired head coach Brian Daboll.
While the complete details of the situation are unknown, they don’t really matter. What matters is the Giants having this kind of dysfunction from their coaches, the group of individuals tasked with leading the team. The fact that they can’t even get on the same page or work through disagreements explains why New York’s on-field product is bad.
It would also explain why the Giants are having so many issues with their young players. From Abdul Carter being benched twice for attendance or punctuality issues, to Jaxson Dart more or less resisting the instruction to change his play style, it’s clear New York doesn’t have good leadership. Until that changes, the franchise will be in the same holding pattern of underwhelming football. That’s why the upcoming coaching search is so important; the Giants must find a culture builder.