The New York Giants have officially parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll after a disappointing start to the 2025 NFL season. The decision came just one day after the Giants’ 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, a defeat that dropped their record to 2-8 and marked another frustrating chapter for one of football’s most storied franchises.
In a statement released Monday, team ownership said the move was made “in the best interest of the organization.” The announcement signals the franchise’s growing impatience with the lack of progress and mounting frustration among fans.
A Rapid Fall from Grace
Daboll’s firing marks a stunning reversal for the coach who, only a few seasons ago, was celebrated as one of the brightest minds in football. After winning NFL Coach of the Year honors for guiding the Giants to a surprise playoff run, his tenure quickly soured as the team struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and poor execution in critical moments.
The Giants repeatedly failed to hold late-game leads this season, with miscommunication and defensive breakdowns contributing to multiple losses. Critics also pointed to questionable play-calling and an inability to develop the team’s younger offensive players, including rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, as reasons for the disappointing campaign.
Daboll departs New York with an overall record of 20-40-1, a far cry from the early promise he showed when he took over the team.
Kafka Takes Over as Interim Coach
Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The 37-year-old coordinator, who has been with the Giants since 2022, will now have the opportunity to prove himself as a potential long-term leader.
Team executives emphasized that general manager Joe Schoen will remain in place and lead the search for the team’s next permanent head coach. That decision suggests the front office still believes in Schoen’s vision for roster construction, even as the coaching staff undergoes a major shake-up.
Why the Change Happened
Sources close to the organization say the firing was driven by a combination of locker-room dissatisfaction and declining confidence in the team’s direction. After back-to-back losing seasons, ownership felt the need for a “reset” to re-energize both the players and fan base.
While Daboll’s offensive background was once viewed as the key to unlocking the Giants’ potential, his system never fully clicked with the personnel on hand. The Giants’ offense ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring and total yardage, while the defense has struggled to compensate for frequent turnovers and penalties.
What Comes Next
As the Giants prepare for the remainder of the season under Kafka, speculation has already begun about possible replacements. Analysts expect the team to consider both veteran coaches with proven experience and up-and-coming coordinators who can bring fresh energy and discipline to the locker room.
Despite the turmoil, ownership insists the focus remains on building a consistent contender. The decision to make a coaching change mid-season underscores the urgency to fix what has become a chronic cycle of mediocrity.
For Giants fans, the hope is that this move marks the beginning of a new era — one that restores accountability, stability, and the winning culture that once defined New York football.
