The New York Giants have parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll, a native of Welland, Ont., after a disappointing start to the season that left the team with a 2-8 record following a loss to the Chicago Bears. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been appointed as the interim head coach. The decision to remove Daboll was made by team ownership in the wake of a series of underwhelming performances, including a recent loss to the Bears where the Giants squandered a late lead.
General manager Joe Schoen will lead the search for a new head coach, as owners John Mara and Steve Tisch expressed their dissatisfaction with the team’s recent performances. Despite the coaching change, the rest of Daboll’s coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, will remain in their positions.
This marks only the third midseason coaching change in the Giants’ nearly century-long history, with the last occurring in 2017. Daboll, who had a mixed tenure with the team, achieved a 20-40-1 record during his time as head coach. While he led the Giants to the playoffs in his first season and earned Coach of the Year honors, the team’s performance has declined significantly since then.
Daboll’s termination adds to the list of coaching changes in the NFL this season, with Tennessee also parting ways with their head coach earlier. Despite the challenges faced by the Giants, the team’s management remains optimistic about the future and is committed to delivering improved results for the fans.
Kafka, the newly appointed interim head coach, steps into his role amid ongoing challenges for the team, including injuries to key players like quarterback Jaxson Dart. With his background working under Andy Reid and some playing experience in the NFL, Kafka brings a fresh perspective to the Giants.
Schoen, the Giants’ general manager, received a vote of confidence from team ownership, highlighting his efforts in building a young and talented roster. While acknowledging the team’s recent struggles, the management is hopeful for a turnaround and aims to meet the high expectations of the Giants’ fan base.
Looking ahead, Daboll, with his extensive coaching experience, is expected to find opportunities in the NFL in the upcoming seasons. However, his immediate return to Buffalo, where he previously served as the offensive coordinator, seems unlikely as the Bills’ head coach has expressed support for the current coaching staff.