NFL Rumors: Brian Daboll Keeping HC Job 'Surprised' Multiple Giants Players

Some New York Giants players reportedly did not expect owner John Mara to retain head coach Brian Daboll following a 3-14 record in 2024.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, multiple players were "surprised" by the decision, although they were "fine" with it due to Daboll's status as a player-friendly coach.

Mara released a statement this week, announcing that both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen would be retained for the 2025 season. Mara added that he and co-owner Steve Tisch "remain confident in the process that Joe and Brian have implemented and their vision for our team."

Per Raanan, Daboll is well-regarded among players because he is open to feedback and provides a favorable schedule that keeps the players fresh.

Despite their positive outlook on Daboll as a person, Raanan noted that some players may not "see signs his program is not destined for success."

After stints as an offensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, University of Alabama and Buffalo Bills, the Giants hired Daboll as their head coach in 2022.

He far exceeded expectations as a first-year head coach, leading the Giants to a 9-7-1 record and their first playoff berth since 2016.

Quarterback Daniel Jones had a career year, running back Saquon Barkley had his most productive season since his rookie campaign and the Giants even upset the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, over the next two seasons, quarterback issues sunk the Giants, as they went just 6-11 in 2023 before dropping to 3-14 this season.

Jones was injured in ineffective in 2023, which was his first season after signing a four-ear, $160 million contract extension. He then struggled to a 2-8 start this season, resulting in the Giants demoting and then releasing him.

Daboll was forced to cycle between Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito at quarterback, which unsurprisingly didn't yield great results.

Given that they own the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Schoen may have a chance to get Daboll the franchise quarterback he has lacked during his tenure.

Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are widely viewed as the top two quarterbacks in the draft, and it is possible one of them will be available for the Giants.

It is far from guaranteed, though, since the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns both have major question marks at quarterback and own the Nos. 1 and 2 overall selections.

Even if the Giants don't get a top quarterback with the third pick, it is abundantly clear that they need to do something of significance at the position in order to avoid another nightmarish season like they had in 2024.

If the Giants are able to hit on the right quarterback in the draft, free agency or via trade, then Daboll and Schoen have a chance to stick around for the foreseeable future.

However, if the quarterback situation in New York does not improve noticeably in 2025, they will likely be on borrowed time.