The New York Giants Opt to Retain GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll Despite Disappointing Season
The New York Giants have announced their decision to retain General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll for the upcoming season, despite a dismal 3-14 record in the 2023-2024 season. This decision was made public by team president John Mara, who expressed his confidence in the leadership duo, despite the franchise’s worst performance in recent history. The season concluded with a 20-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, capping off a year that included a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and 11 losses in the final 12 games. Mara emphasized that while the results were disappointing, he and team chairman Steve Tisch remain confident in the vision and process implemented by Schoen and Daboll.
Immediate Challenges: Finding a Franchise Quarterback and Roster Improvement
One of the most pressing challenges for the Giants heading into the offseason is the need to find a franchise quarterback. The team benched and cut ties with Daniel Jones during the season, and Drew Lock, who took over toward the end, will be an unrestricted free agent. Tommy DeVito, another quarterback, will be an exclusive rights free agent and is expected to return. The Giants had hoped Jones would solidify his position as the franchise quarterback, but that plan failed to materialize. As a result, the team will likely look to the 2025 NFL draft, where they hold the No. 3 pick, or explore veteran options to fill the void at quarterback.
In addition to the quarterback conundrum, the Giants’ roster has come under scrutiny. Mara expressed doubts about whether the current roster is significantly better than the one Schoen and Daboll inherited three years ago. The team’s poor performance this season has raised questions about personnel decisions, including the four-year, $160 million contract extension given to Jones during the 2023 offseason. Mara made it clear that Schoen and Daboll were responsible for that decision, which is widely regarded as one of several missteps in roster construction.
A Look Back: Schoen and Daboll’s Tenure with the Giants
Schoen and Daboll’s time with the Giants has been a mixed bag. Their first season in 2022 was a resounding success, as the team reached the playoffs and won a postseason game. However, the subsequent seasons have been a struggle, with the team posting a 12-31-1 record since starting 7-2 in their inaugural campaign. This season’s 3-14 record ranks among the worst in franchise history, with a paltry .176 win percentage. The coaching staff has also undergone significant changes, with Daboll overhauling his staff after clashes with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and other assistants. Despite these challenges, Mara believes that the duo still has the potential to lead the team to success, citing Daboll’s 2022 Coach of the Year award as evidence of his capabilities.
Mara also commended Schoen for what he described as an “outstanding” draft, as well as his ability to sign quality free agents and build a strong staff. The team president acknowledged the defensive struggles that have plagued the Giants this season but expressed confidence in Schoen’s ability to make informed personnel decisions. Mara’s support for Schoen and Daboll is rooted in his belief that consistency and stability are key to long-term success, even in the face of short-term setbacks.
Ownership’s Support: Mara and Tisch Stand Behind Their Leadership Duo
Mara and Tisch’s decision to retain Schoen and Daboll was not made lightly, especially after a season that ranks among the worst in franchise history. Mara met with Schoen and Daboll for several hours to discuss the season’s disappointing results and their plans for the future. While Mara did not provide a specific timeline for improvement, he made it clear that patience is wearing thin. “Better not take too long, because I’ve just about run out of patience,” Mara said. He added that he expects to be in a better mood this time next year, signaling that the team’s performance will be under close scrutiny.
Despite the widespread criticism of the decision, Mara remains adamant that Schoen and Daboll are the right leaders for the franchise. “Believe me, that is not going to be the most popular decision in Giants land, but we believe it’s the right decision for us going forward,” Mara said. The team’s ownership is banking on the duo’s ability to turn things around, but the pressure to deliver results is palpable.
Moving Forward: The Road Ahead for the New York Giants
As the Giants look to the future, the focus will be on addressing the quarterback position and improving the roster. Schoen and Daboll will have two years remaining on their contracts to prove that they can lead the franchise back to prominence. The team’s No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL draft will be a critical opportunity to address the quarterback issue, but Mara has also not ruled out acquiring a veteran signal-caller.
While the decision to retain Schoen and Daboll has been met with skepticism by many fans, Mara remains convinced that continuity is the key to success. He pointed to Daboll’s initial success and Schoen’s solid draft and free agency moves as reasons for optimism. However, the coming season will be a make-or-break stretch for both men. The Giants’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping that the team can rebound from this disastrous season and reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite.
