The New York Giants, a franchise steeped in NFL history and tradition, find themselves at a crossroads after a tumultuous 2024 season. Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, facing mounting pressure from a disgruntled fanbase, made the surprising decision to retain both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, extending their tenures through the 2025 season. This announcement, delivered on the infamous “Black Monday,” a day typically reserved for coaching and front office shakeups, defied widespread expectations of a complete organizational overhaul following a disappointing season culminating in the mid-season release of quarterback Daniel Jones. Mara and Tisch expressed continued faith in Schoen and Daboll’s vision for the team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity and trusting the established rebuilding process, despite the team’s struggles. The owners’ decision reflects a belief that the foundation laid by Schoen and Daboll can still yield positive results in the future.
The 2024 season was marked by a series of setbacks for the Giants, starting with the departure of star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency. Barkley’s subsequent success with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, where he amassed over 2,000 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, added insult to injury for Giants fans, serving as a constant reminder of the front office’s decision. The Eagles’ dominant NFC East title only exacerbated the Giants’ woes. Further compounding the team’s difficulties was the decline of Daniel Jones. Failing to recapture his promising 2022 form after suffering two significant injuries the previous season, Jones struggled mightily, leading the Giants to a dismal 2-8 record in his ten starts. His eventual release signaled the team’s acceptance of the quarterback’s inability to lead the franchise back to contention.
The Giants’ struggles ignited widespread fan discontent, culminating in public displays of frustration. Airplane banners bearing messages calling for the dismissal of the entire front office and coaching staff flew over MetLife Stadium during the latter part of the season, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction among the fanbase. The stark contrast between the Giants’ performance and the success of their division rivals, particularly the Eagles fueled this discontent, creating a sense of urgency for change within the organization. The retention of Schoen and Daboll, therefore, represents a bold gamble by ownership, one that hinges on their ability to turn around the team’s fortunes quickly.
Amidst the turmoil of the 2024 season, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. His impressive debut season, marked by over 1,200 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, established him as a potential cornerstone of the Giants’ offense moving forward. Nabers’ emergence provides a much-needed offensive weapon and a potential building block for Schoen and Daboll as they look to reshape the team. With the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2025 draft, the Giants have the opportunity to add another impact player, potentially addressing their need at the quarterback position or bolstering other areas of weakness. The combination of Nabers’ development and a high draft pick offers a glimmer of optimism for the future.
The decision to retain Schoen and Daboll indicates a long-term approach by Giants ownership. While the 2024 season undoubtedly fell short of expectations, Mara and Tisch appear committed to providing continuity and stability within the organization. This approach contrasts with the frequent coaching changes that have plagued other NFL franchises, often hindering long-term development. By giving Schoen and Daboll another year, the owners are signaling a belief in their ability to build a sustainable winning culture. This stability could prove crucial in attracting free agents and fostering player development, two essential ingredients for turning the franchise around.
However, the patience of Giants ownership is not infinite. The 2025 season will likely be a make-or-break year for Schoen and Daboll. They will need to demonstrate tangible progress, translating their vision into wins on the field. The pressure to deliver will be immense, especially given the public outcry and the team’s recent struggles. The upcoming draft and free agency period will be critical in shaping the roster and providing the necessary talent to compete in the highly competitive NFC East. Ultimately, the success of this decision rests on Schoen and Daboll’s ability to assemble a competitive team and demonstrate significant improvement in the 2025 season, thereby justifying the ownership’s faith in their leadership.
