By Jordan Raanan and Jeremy Fowler
Nov 10, 2025
Owner John Mara made clear in January that Brian Daboll needed to deliver improved results. Daboll faced a difficult mandate: win now while developing a rookie quarterback. He failed to meet that standard. The Giants sit 2-8 for the third straight season and have repeatedly squandered leads and late-game chances, most recently losing 24-20 in Chicago — the second time this year they blew a 10-plus point lead with under four minutes remaining. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart was also injured in that game.
Daboll finishes with an 11-33 record over three seasons. The team has named assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka the interim head coach. This change comes in Week 10 of the 2025 season after a pattern of poor results and troubling incidents, including violations of concussion protocol when staff entered the medical tent to check on Dart — conduct that drew league discipline.
Why fire Daboll now?
Close-game coaching, player safety and accountability were cited. The Giants have blown multiple double-digit leads on the road this season, and Dart suffered repeated concussion concerns dating back to the preseason. Daboll prioritized keeping Dart aggressive, but the way Dart was exposed to hits became a tipping point. The latest collapse and health incident were the breaking points that led to Daboll’s dismissal.
What to expect from interim coach Mike Kafka
Kafka brings a calmer, steadier presence than the highly charged Daboll. Interviewers who considered him for head coaching jobs described him as confident with a reliable process. He’s expected to keep calling plays, which preserves consistency for Dart — Kafka has been the QB’s primary voice during games. The offense under Kafka has historically been more productive than it was under Daboll, and Kafka’s background includes work developing Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, which is relevant to his role with Dart.
Who will call offensive plays?
Kafka is expected to remain the playcaller, giving Dart continuity during games. The Giants’ offense has averaged a respectable 23.6 points per game this season with Dart starting, an improvement from earlier years, and keeping Kafka as playcaller helps maintain that momentum.
What about Jaxson Dart?
First priority: health. Dart is in concussion protocol and could miss time; this was the fourth concussion check this season. Kafka must now take a larger role in Dart’s development — Daboll previously spent considerable time mentoring him. Kafka’s resume includes significant work with rookie QBs, most notably assisting with Mahomes, so he’s viewed as capable of guiding Dart. Longer-term scheme or coordinator changes will depend on how the season unfolds.
How will the locker room react?
Dart had a close relationship with Daboll, so the change will affect him personally. Many players indicated after the loss that someone needed to be held accountable and expected the coach might be the casualty. Daboll’s pattern of reshaping staff and shifting blame after moves like parting with Daniel Jones left some players frustrated, so the locker room at large is unlikely to be surprised. How players respond to Kafka’s leadership will be watched closely.
What does this mean for GM Joe Schoen?
The Giants announced Schoen will remain general manager and lead the coaching search, signaling ownership’s continued trust. The prevailing view is that Schoen has assembled young talent but hasn’t developed or deployed it effectively; nonetheless, he’s expected to survive a third difficult season, retaining ownership’s support.
Could more changes come?
Possibly. As of Monday afternoon following the firing, the rest of the staff remained in place, but adjustments are likely to be evaluated. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen faces pressure — his unit has struggled, especially in fourth quarters, surrendering 75 points in the last four games. Other staff moves could follow based on performance and the new interim regime’s direction.
Who might be candidates for the permanent job?
Kafka will factor into the search; he’s well-regarded and has interviewed around the league. GM Joe Schoen is expected to run a broad search, tapping networks from his Buffalo days (knowledge of Joe Brady) and Miami ties that link to coaches like Vance Joseph and Lou Anarumo. Potential avenues include coaches from the Rams and Chiefs trees, emerging defensive coordinators such as Jeff Hafley, Jesse Minter, Kelvin Sheppard and Aden Durde, and offensive options like Todd Monken, Jim Bob Cooter and Klint Kubiak.
College coaches could also be considered given the thinner NFL coordinator market. Names such as Marcus Freeman, Steve Sarkisian and Bret Bielema (who has prior Giants ties) are possibilities. The search is wide open and will aim to find a leader who can stabilize the franchise, shore up the defense and continue developing Dart.
Bottom line
Daboll was fired after repeated late-game collapses, poor overall results, and player-safety and protocol concerns. Mike Kafka takes over as interim coach and playcaller, tasked with steadying the offense and overseeing Jaxson Dart’s recovery and development. Joe Schoen will run a broad coaching search while retaining his GM role, and additional staff changes remain possible as the organization seeks better consistency and progress.
