New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll was on top of the world in 2022 when he won the NFL Coach of the Year award after leading the Giants on an improbable playoff run during his first season with Big Blue. It was New York's first playoff berth since 2016 and even included a postseason win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.
But life happens fast in the NFL, and Daboll's Giants have been on a downward spiral ever since.
In 2023, Big Blue finished 6-11, and last season, the Giants had one of their worst year's in franchise history, finishing with just three wins and in last place in the NFC East.
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As a result, Daboll is on the shortlist of NFL coaches who are beginning the 2025 season on the hot seat.
"Playing in a formidable NFC East, the Giants aren’t anticipated to make significant waves in 2025," Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker wrote. "If Big Blue can win at least seven games, it may be enough for Daboll to keep his job — especially if Dart offers promise by the end of the season. But if 2025 finishes similarly to 2024 for the organization, then a cleaning of the house will be expected."
The odds are stacked against Daboll hitting that seven-win mark, especially with the Giants' owning the NFL's most difficult schedule.
But if there's anything that can extend the leash on a head coach's tenure, it's promising play from a rookie quarterback. Dart has a chance to be Daboll's lifeline, especially if the Giants turn the offense over to the first-round pick early enough in the season for him to show growth and promise for 2026 and beyond.
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