Brian Daboll Fired: Why the New York Giants Finally Moved On After Disastrous 2-8 Start to 2025 Season

The New York Giants have officially fired head coach Brian Daboll after a disappointing 2-8 start to the 2025 NFL season. The team announced the decision on November 10, confirming that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the year.

Daboll’s dismissal marks the fifth head coach change for the Giants since 2016, highlighting the franchise’s ongoing struggle for stability. The move comes just three years after Daboll was named 2022 NFL Coach of the Year for guiding New York to a surprise playoff berth in his debut season.

Giants’ 2-8 Record and Blown Leads Trigger Coaching Change

The decision to part ways with Brian Daboll stemmed largely from New York’s inability to win close games. Entering Week 11, the Giants sat at 2-8, tied for the second-worst record in the league. According to internal evaluations reported by SNY, ownership believed the team’s talent level was far greater than the results reflected.

Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Giants went 9-25, followed by a 2-8 start in 2025 — combining for a dismal 11-33 record over nearly three seasons. The team’s .250 winning percentage under Daboll ranked among the lowest in the NFL during that stretch.

Multiple late-game collapses became a defining feature of Daboll’s tenure this season. New York blew double-digit leads in four separate road games, including losses to the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. The Giants’ defense surrendered a league-worst 115 points in the fourth quarter through ten weeks, underscoring poor execution and lack of in-game adjustments.

In a joint statement, co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch admitted the team’s performance had not met expectations: “The past few seasons have been nothing short of disappointing. We understand the frustrations of our fans and are committed to improving the product on the field.”

Jaxson Dart’s Injury Incident Became the Final Straw

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart’s concussion in Week 10 against the Bears reportedly accelerated the Giants’ decision. Daboll had relied heavily on designed quarterback runs — Dart had 25 such plays this season, more than any other QB despite starting only seven games.

The injury, Dart’s fourth concussion check since preseason, raised questions about player safety and coaching judgment. Daboll had even been fined earlier in the season for interfering with a concussion evaluation on the sideline. According to team sources, the Giants’ ownership viewed the incident as a serious lapse in responsibility and leadership.

General manager Joe Schoen, who will lead the upcoming coaching search, said in a statement that he still believes in the team’s young core but agreed that “a new direction” was necessary to build sustained success.

What Comes Next for the Giants?

With Mike Kafka stepping in as interim head coach, the Giants will aim to salvage competitiveness over the final eight games. Early reports suggest Schoen will target an experienced leader this offseason — with names like Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson, and Dan Quinn already circulating as potential replacements.

For fans, Daboll’s firing represents both frustration and hope. The Giants are searching for a long-term answer to restore credibility to one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. As Big Blue looks to the future, attention now turns to how ownership and management can ensure stability and accountability in 2026 and beyond.

Brian Daboll’s departure marks another chapter in New York’s ongoing rebuild — one the franchise hopes will finally lead to consistency, player safety, and playoff contention once again.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did the New York Giants fire Brian Daboll?

The Giants fired Brian Daboll after a 2-8 start and repeated late-game collapses, citing poor coaching and team underperformance.

Q2: Who is the interim head coach for the Giants?

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been named the interim head coach for the rest of the 2025 season.

Q3: What happened to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart?

Dart suffered a concussion in Week 10 against the Bears after a designed run play. It was his fourth concussion evaluation since preseason.

Q4: Will general manager Joe Schoen remain with the team?

Yes. Ownership confirmed Schoen will continue overseeing personnel decisions and lead the next head coach search.

Q5: Who are the top candidates to replace Brian Daboll?

Potential candidates include Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson, and Dan Quinn, though no official interviews have been confirmed.