The New York Giants confirmed on Monday that they had dismissed head coach Brian Daboll, a decision announced alongside the confirmation that Joe Schoen will continue as the team’s general manager. Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch stated that Schoen will lead the search for a new head coach. This declaration led many fans to believe that Schoen’s position is secure through at least the start of the 2026 NFL season. Yet, some insiders express skepticism regarding his long-term future with the franchise.
Insider assessments indicate that Schoen’s tenure may not be as solid as it appears. Ian O’Connor, a veteran sports reporter with The Athletic, commented on Tuesday that he does not believe Schoen’s role as general manager is guaranteed heading into next season. “Ownership will make the final call on the coach in January, when I’d expect Schoen to be reviewed again,” he stated.
The Giants’ performance has raised concerns, as the team holds the second-worst record in the NFL since the start of the 2023 season, with a dismal record of 11-33. Dan Duggan, also of The Athletic, noted this alarming statistic, emphasizing that the Giants’ struggles have led to scrutiny of both coaching and management decisions.
Former Giants radio announcer Bob Papa recently mentioned on the “Bleav in Giants” podcast that he believes “all bets are off” regarding Schoen’s future with the organization. The sentiment among insiders reflects a growing unease, especially given the team’s current standing with a record of 2-8 in the 2025 season. Reports suggest that Mara and Tisch attribute much of the team’s issues to coaching failures, particularly following a series of games where the Giants squandered significant leads.
With the team now under interim head coach Mike Kafka, the ownership’s reaction to continued losses will be crucial. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that it is not a certainty Schoen will oversee the draft process next spring. He referenced instances from other NFL teams where general managers have survived coaching changes, suggesting a possible path forward for Schoen.
Reports from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler indicate that Schoen’s retention alongside the coaching change surprised some observers. Fowler pointed out that the direction of the upcoming coaching search could significantly impact Schoen’s future with the franchise. “If the Giants’ desired coaching candidate insists on his own guy for the GM role, it will test the franchise’s mettle,” he warned.
As the season progresses, Schoen may need to secure a few more victories to bolster his chances of remaining with the Giants past the upcoming offseason. The organizational shakeup has left many questions unanswered, and the spotlight is now firmly on Schoen as he navigates a critical juncture in his career.
