3 Giants head coach candidates New York should consider to replace Brian Daboll next season
These three coaches should top the list of names for the New York Giants head coach if they fire Brian Daboll.
The New York Giants have fallen flat on their face to start the 2025 NFL season. Outside of the disappointing losses, many of the same issues are holding back this squad.
Heading into the year, it was apparent that head coach Brian Daboll would not last the whole year. It would have taken a miraculous feat, given their demanding schedule, for him to stick, especially with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
As we look ahead to who will likely replace him, one trait should be emphasized in this search. The Giants need to hire a coach with previous head coaching experience. Since Tom Coughlin, Pat Shurmur was the only coach they’ve hired with prior head coaching experience.
There’s no time to piddle around hoping a schematic guru will turn into a dominant head man. Here are three candidates who can right the ship.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders OC
If anyone suggested hiring Kliff Kingsbury a year ago, they should have been rightfully laughed at. As the Cardinals head coach, Kingsbury was 28-37 but produced a promising 11-6 season in 2021. However, the hot start to Jayden Daniels’ career with Kingsbury calling the plays in Washington has proved he’s ready for a second chance.
One element that unlocked Daniels the most was Kingsbury’s background with college offenses. After failing as the Cardinals’ head coach, he had time to reflect on adjusting his approach. The adjustments helped spark one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history for Daniels.
One of the key focuses for the hire should be finding someone who has a clear plan for former first-round pick Jaxson Dart. Considering Dart’s production in Lane Kiffin’s offense, implementing college concepts would help him flourish in year two.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings DC
While hiring someone to support Dart is extremely important, having a defensive-minded head coach would also do wonders for this roster. Brian Flores’ stint as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins ended disappointingly with a 9-8 record in 2021. Overall, as the Dolphins’ head man, he was 24-25 in three seasons.
Since then, Flores has turned the Minnesota Vikings’ defense into a juggernaut in the NFC North. In 2024, the Vikings were ranked in the top 10 in most statistical categories despite having less talent than other elite units.
While the intention isn’t for Flores to call the Giants’ defense, switching to a defensive coach after multiple offensive coaches failed should factor into the decision.
Jon Gruden – Barstool Sports
The Giants have an opportunity to hire a Super Bowl-winning coach in Jon Gruden. More importantly, they have the chance to hire a former head coach who’s been incredibly vocal about how much he loves Dart.
Currently working for Barstool Sports as a content creator, Gruden openly championed Dart as a prospect and was excited about his performance this preseason. Because of this, Gruden has been a favorite for Giants fans to project as their next coach.
Hiring Gruden comes with baggage. He’s involved in a lawsuit with the NFL over an alleged orchestrated campaign to end his career, following the release of homophobic, misogynistic, and racist messages in leaked emails. The emails leaked in 2021 when Gruden was the head coach of the Raiders, and were written while he was an analyst at ESPN from 2011 to 2018.
Due to the nature of the case, it’s uncertain if any NFL franchise would give Gruden another shot.
In terms of on-field success, Gruden won a Super Bowl in 2002 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has an overall record of 117-112, with six winning seasons during a 15-year head coaching career with the Bucs and Raiders.
New York Giants News
Giants HC Brian Daboll and QB Russell Wilson downplay the glaring controversy holding back the franchise
New York Giants HC Brian Daboll and quarterback Russell Wilson downplayed the possibility of Jaxson Dart playing following Chiefs loss
