Giants Fire Brian Daboll, Begin Search for Next Head Coach as Bill Belichick Reportedly Not in the Mix

The New York Giants made one of the biggest moves of the NFL season on Monday, firing head coach Brian Daboll after Sunday’s lopsided loss to the Chicago Bears. The defeat marked another low point in what had become a frustrating and inconsistent campaign for New York, leading ownership to pull the plug on the Daboll era after less than three full seasons.

The Giants’ front office, led by co-owner John Mara and general manager Joe Schoen, will now begin an extensive coaching search to identify a long-term leader who can stabilize the franchise. The organization has cycled through multiple coaches in recent years, struggling to recapture the consistency that once defined its Super Bowl-winning teams.

Daboll, who was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2022, appeared to lose traction within the organization as the Giants fell out of contention this season. Despite flashes of promise from young quarterback Jaxson Dart, New York’s offense never found rhythm, and internal frustration reportedly mounted in recent weeks.

Now, the focus turns to finding a new voice to lead the locker room — though one of the most recognizable names in football may already be off the table.

1. Why Bill Belichick Is Unlikely to Join the Giants

Rumors quickly surfaced about a potential reunion between the Giants and Bill Belichick, who began his NFL coaching career with the franchise decades ago. However, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini poured cold water on that speculation, explaining that Belichick’s desire for organizational control has strained his candidacy. “From what I understand, when Bill was trying to get a job in the NFL he wanted more control and wanted to get rid of some of the people that worked in the New York Giants front office and behind the scenes,” Russini said on Wake Up Barstool. “People that are related to the Mara family. People that have been there for decades. And that’s not something ownership was down for.” The report suggests that Belichick’s management style — long characterized by autonomy and authority — does not align with the Giants’ front office structure. Mara has historically favored continuity among long-tenured executives and family-connected staff, making it unlikely he would hand over full operational control to any coach. Compounding matters, Belichick’s post-Patriots tenure at North Carolina has been underwhelming, further diminishing his leverage. His recent results and perceived unwillingness to adapt have cooled interest from NFL franchises seeking younger, more collaborative leadership.

2. Searching for the Next Leader in New York

With Belichick effectively out of the picture, the Giants face a crucial decision as they map out their coaching search ahead of the 2026 offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the organization could explore more than 20 potential candidates spanning offensive and defensive backgrounds. Interim head coach Mike Kafka, who took over following Daboll’s dismissal, is expected to be among those considered. Fowler noted that Kafka has “acquitted himself well” in developing rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who is viewed internally as the team’s future cornerstone. Keeping continuity between Dart and his offensive play-caller could be appealing to Schoen and ownership. Other names to watch include Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who maintains close ties to Schoen from their shared time in Buffalo, as well as defensive-minded candidates such as Vance Joseph and Lou Anarumo. Both have earned reputations for toughness and discipline — qualities the Giants have long sought to reestablish. Ultimately, the Giants’ decision may hinge on how Kafka performs in his interim role. Strong showings in the final stretch of the regular season could bolster his case for the full-time position and give New York much-needed stability heading into 2026.

3. A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Giants’ latest coaching change underscores the team’s ongoing struggle to find sustained success in the post-Eli Manning era. Daboll’s firing marks yet another reset for a franchise that has cycled through multiple coaching staffs since 2016, with little to show in terms of postseason success. For ownership, the coming months will be pivotal. The next hire must not only stabilize the locker room but also accelerate the development of key young players — most notably Jaxson Dart. With the roster showing flashes of talent but lacking cohesion, the Giants will need a leader capable of uniting the team around a clear identity. As for Belichick, the once-dominant coach’s declining stock and strained relationships across the league suggest his next opportunity, if any, may come far from New York. His legacy remains unmatched, but the modern NFL appears to be moving in a different direction. The Giants, meanwhile, are searching for a leader who can guide them forward — not a legend looking to relive the past.