How Hot Is the Seat for Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll?
After a disappointing 2024 campaign that fell well short of expectations, the seats under Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are noticeably warmer heading into 2025. Just two years removed from a surprise playoff berth and Coach of the Year honors for Daboll, the honeymoon phase is long gone. Last season’s 3-14 finish, inconsistent quarterback play, and a roster that still feels incomplete have cast real doubt on the regime’s direction. The Giants will need to hit big in the 2025 NFL Draft. Schoen and Daboll were brought in as a package deal to modernize the franchise and build a long-term winner, but through three years, the results have been mixed at best. Fans and ownership alike are wondering: are these the right guys to lead the next chapter?
For Joe Schoen, the pressure lies in personnel decisions. He inherited a flawed roster, but his own draft picks and free-agent signings now define the team. The failure to find a true franchise quarterback after committing to Daniel Jones in 2023 has proven costly. While rookies like Dru Phillips and Tyrone Tracy Jr. have flashed, the overall talent gap between the Giants and top NFC teams remains significant. If the new-look roster doesn't take a major step forward, Schoen could be facing questions about his vision.
Brian Daboll, meanwhile, must prove that his 2022 success wasn’t a fluke. Known as an offensive mind, his unit has underwhelmed the last two seasons. Whether due to injuries, quarterback play, or inconsistent play-calling, the Giants haven’t scored enough to win games. Reports of sideline frustration and occasional tension within the coaching staff haven’t helped his standing. He needs to reestablish a clear offensive identity in 2025 and show development from young talent. Another slow start, or failure to compete in the NFC East could put his future in serious jeopardy.
To be clear, neither Schoen nor Daboll is on the verge of being fired right now. But 2025 feels like a make-or-break year. The Giants have made enough moves to expect progress, and patience is wearing thin. If they can’t show tangible growth, especially with veteran leadership now in place the pressure from media, fans, and ownership will only intensify. At the very least, both men must prove they’re still moving the franchise in the right direction. If they can’t, the Giants may be forced to hit reset once again.
