The last two seasons have been ones to forget for the New York Giants. In 2023, they finished with a 6-11 record, and in 2024, things only got worse, ending the season 3-14. Following such a poor performance, fans at the stadium voiced their frustrations against head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
Despite the noise surrounding the team’s back-to-back disappointing years, team owner John Mara turned a deaf ear to the criticism and publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise’s two key figures:
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will continue in their respective roles with the organization.
Later, Mara expanded on his stance regarding Daboll, who was honored as the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2022:
That didn’t disappear all of a sudden. I still believe he can do that again.
Having the owner’s backing is always a valuable asset, but the harsh reality is that the team has accumulated only 9 wins and 25 losses under his tenure. That puts them in a precarious spot-especially in a high-pressure market like New York City.
There is hope within the organization that this year will bring a change in fortune, and that the same spark that lit up their 2022 season will be rekindled to give the team renewed momentum.
Brian Daboll under the microscope
Given the current circumstances, the Giants’ head coach is now firmly on the NFL’s hot seat for the 2025 season. While he’s not the only one under scrutiny, he is certainly among those facing the heaviest pressure starting Week 1.
His fate may rest on Russell Wilson’s arm
With Russell Wilson now in the fold, Daboll is counting on the veteran quarterback to help turn the team around. Wilson has the experience. He has the knowledge. What he lacks now is consistency in delivering solid performances.
Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers took a chance on the former Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, but the results fell short of expectations. His inconsistency and declining mobility greatly affected his stats.
The Giants also selected Jaxson Dart in the draft, and he’ll need to learn quickly from Wilson. If a midseason change becomes necessary, Dart must be prepared to take the reins without hesitation.
The performance of the expected starting quarterback-Wilson-could be Daboll’s saving grace, or the final blow to his coaching tenure. Brian Daboll will have to put in serious work if he wants to keep his job beyond this season.
Wilson’s experience-ten Pro Bowl appearances-is undeniable. If he can guide this team to new heights, there will be no complaints about his résumé. Otherwise, things could turn bleak for the Giants.
This will be a make-or-break season not just for the Giants and Daboll, but also for Russell Wilson, whose window for returning to another Super Bowl is rapidly closing.
Read the full article here