Why Giants reportedly kept GM Joe Schoen after firing Brian Daboll

In the New York Giants' release that confirmed on Monday that they had parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll, Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch revealed that Joe Schoen "remains in his position as general manager and will lead the search for a new head coach."

For a piece published Monday night, Giants and NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY addressed why Schoen will continue serving as the club's general manager until further notice. 

How John Mara, Steve Tisch reportedly feel about Joe Schoen

"The Giants still hold Schoen in 'high regard,'" Hughes shared. "...That’s why, at no point this year, was Schoen’s seat hot, sources said. The feeling from ownership and key decision-makers is that the talent is significantly better than the Giants' 2-8 record indicates."

Specifically, Hughes noted that the Giants have blown four double-digit leads in four road losses since Week 2 of the ongoing campaign. On Sept. 14, Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen played a soft zone late in a matchup at the Dallas Cowboys, which ultimately resulted in Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey making a game-tying 64-yard field goal at the end of regulation. In Week 7, the Giants surrendered 33 fourth-quarter points in what became a 33-32 loss at the Denver Broncos.

This past Sunday, the Giants squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead en route to suffering a 24-20 loss at the Chicago Bears. Before Monday's developments, Daboll received criticism from fans and analysts regarding the team's play-calling after rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart went down with a concussion at Soldier Field. 

Brian Daboll needed "minor miracle" to stay with Giants beyond Week 18

"It would have taken a minor miracle for Daboll to return in 2026 after the team’s season effectively ended with the Denver debacle," Hughes added. "The Giants were willing to see that through, but another fourth-quarter collapse in Chicago, followed by Dart’s injury in what some viewed as an act of self-preservation, pushed ownership over the edge."

Offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka is on track to serve as the Giants' interim head coach through Week 18. His audition to potentially win the full-time gig will officially get underway when the Giants host the Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) this coming Sunday afternoon. As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Giants as 7.5-point underdogs for that contest.