Can These Giants Coaches Bring Fans a Playoff Caliber Team?
Not this year, of course. The 2-10 Giants have suffered a litany of new ways to lose a game this year.
But have they put key pieces in place to build a championship-caliber team of the future?
We’ll spend the next 3-4 articles addressing where this team seems to be headed regarding coaching staff, front office, offensive players, and defensive players.
First, let’s take a look at coaching.
Head Coach
Is Head Coach Brian Daboll, a coach who can build and lead a championship team?
PHOTO: Chris Jones/Imagn Images
Well, year one (2022) led to a playoff spot, a first-round victory, and a Coach of the Year award. Year two (2023) was less stellar; the offense and defense started the season way too slow. Daniel Jones, fresh off signing a $160M ($80M guaranteed), was ineffective and then lost for the season with an ACL tear. The Giants then lost QB2 Tyrod Taylor. But 2023 showed Daboll could rally the players despite injuries and win with a third-string quarterback in Tommy DeVito. There was dissension on the defensive side of the ball, with Wink Martindale cursing out Daboll and storming out after the season ended.
Year three (2024) started with Daboll selecting a new defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen, coming off a solid three-year defensive performance with the Tennessee Titans. Year three also led to Daboll taking over the play-calling from offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka. Daboll has tried to work with his quarterback, Daniel Jones, for the last 2.5 seasons. Ultimately, Jones couldn’t deliver points and execute Daboll’s scheme.
The Giants waived Jones, now on the Vikings’ practice squad. Has Daboll focused too much on the offense and not enough on what a head coach is responsible for, like player discipline, game flow, and adjustments? The Giants have found some weird ways to lose games this year. Some of the losses rest squarely on Daboll’s shoulders, like no backup plan at placekicker in a 21-18 loss to the Commanders–a game in which the Giants scored three touchdowns but couldn’t convert a 2-point play or an extra point after any of them.
Offensive Coordinator
I’ve got to admit that I’m not sure what contributions Mike Kafka is making for the offense this year. Kafka has a solid background as an NFL QB turned coach. He’s worked under one of the best head coaches, Andy Reid. Kafka has been with the Giants for Daboll’s tenure and called plays in 2022 and 2023. But this season, Daboll took over the play-calling. Kafka has interviewed for head coaching positions the last two offseasons with no takers.
While removing the play calling, Daboll promoted Kafka to Assistant Head Coach. Sometimes, I get the impression Daboll and Kafka are not on the same page with scheme and philosophy.
Defensive Coordinator
The mess that ended Martindale’s stint as defensive coordinator further gives credence to whether Daboll can hire and manage a staff of popular assistant coaches. Wink had a solid reputation for getting the most out of players. But he’s gone, and now insert Shane Bowen as defensive coordinator. This year started out strong for the Giants’ defense, with the team leading in sacks up through Week 10. But the team has steadily given up increasing points and rushing yardage to competitors. Defensive Tackle and Captain Dexter Lawrence was having an All-Pro season until he dislocated his elbow in Week 13 against the Cowboys. He’s now on the injured list for the remainder of the season.
The secondary is young with aggressive tacklers (Tyler Nubin and Dru Phillips)–except for CB Tae Banks, who has very visibly taken some plays off this season. Banks is in his second year and was expected to be the team’s leading CB. He’s got some growing up to do. That Banks has been a repeat offender of making “Business decisions” instead of tackles points to a lack of coaching and discipline. A defense that started out strong is now a weakness for the Giants, setting a new NFL record for consecutive games without an interception. Can Bowen survive to get a second year? Hmmm…
Special Teams Coordinator
Another new coordinator joined Daboll’s staff this season. Michael Ghobrial came to the Giants this year after three seasons with the Jets as an assistant for special teams. Ghobrial has already had a signature moment with the blocked field goal by Isaiah Simmons jumping over the line, which was returned for a touchdown by Bryce Ford-Wheaton. Now, if only the Giants could keep kickers on the field for a full season. Other than that, Ghobrial has done a nice job.
Assistant Coaches
The Giants have some really good assistant coaches on both sides of the ball, including Andre Patterson (defensive line), Jerome Henderson (secondary), Carmen Bricillo (offensive line), and Joel Thomas (running backs).
Henderson has been with the Giants for a few years now and is said to be a potential defensive coordinator someday.
The Outlook
Daboll wanted a new quarterback for 2024—hoping for Jayden Daniels—but didn’t get one. So, he had to ride with Daniel Jones, which didn’t go so well this year.
Does Daboll get one more year, and will he get a new QB to try to mold into a star? I believe he gets both.
John Mara won’t be quick to fire Daboll now that they need a new QB. Daboll hasn’t had his guy yet.
I do believe Daboll will be “asked” to change up his staff.
That means he will part ways with Kafka and promote QB Coach Shea Tierney to the offensive coordinator position.
PHOTO: Chris Jones/Imagn Images
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Categorized:Giants