After a dismal 3-14 season, the New York Giants are under immense pressure to turn things around quickly. For head coach Brian Daboll, the challenge is monumental. Following his AP NFL Coach of the Year-winning debut in 2022, expectations were high—but last year’s collapse left fans and ownership frustrated.
With a brutal 2025 schedule that includes matchups against NFC North and AFC West opponents, Daboll must navigate a minefield of challenges. The spotlight is especially intense on one critical question: Can he find and develop the franchise quarterback the Giants desperately need?
Ownership’s Ultimatum Adds Complexity
Co-owner John Mara didn’t beat around the bush at the start of the offseason. “I’m just about run out of patience,” he said. But Mara also wants a long-term solution at quarterback—a tough ask given the circumstances.
This creates a paradox for Daboll. Ownership wants to win now but also wants to win with a young quarterback. As FOX Sports’ Ben Arthur pointed out, this is an “impossible situation” for any coach.
Daboll is now in a lose-lose. If he wins now with Russell Wilson or Jameis Winston, there’s less room to evaluate a rookie quarterback. If he leans too hard on a draft pick, he’ll jeopardize the team’s chances in a competitive division.
The Quarterback Conundrum
At the heart of the Giants’ problems is quarterback uncertainty. Wilson brings experience and leadership but he’s 36 and not the dynamic player he used to be. Winston has shown flashes but is inconsistent.
Drafting a franchise quarterback seems inevitable but the Giants’ 3rd overall pick might not get them Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders—two top prospects who will go early. Mid-to-late round picks like Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart are developmental opportunities but come with risk.
As Arthur said, balancing player development with short-term wins will test Daboll’s skills. “How does Daboll get him [the rookie] the reps he needs while still trying to win now?” There’s no easy answer.
A Roster With Untapped Potential
Critics say Daboll is being set up to fail, but others think the Giants’ roster isn’t as bad as it looks. Dexter Lawrence, Malik Nabers, Brian Burns, Andrew Thomas and Andru Phillips are the building blocks. Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo and Chauncey Golston are the new additions that bring depth and versatility.
If Russell Wilson can limit mistakes and be efficient, the offense can take a step forward. A veteran quarterback with a talented cast of characters gives Daboll some freedom to play the young guys down the stretch.
Can Daboll Pull It Off?
Turning around a struggling franchise is never easy, especially when ownership wants instant results. But Daboll has done it before. His ability to adjust and innovate will be key to navigating this season.
Success in 2025 will depend on: managing the quarterback transition, playing to the roster’s strengths and keeping morale up under pressure. If he can do it, he’ll be one of the smartest guys in the league. If not, his time in New York will be shorter than anyone thinks.