NFL Coaching Changes Begin with Giants

The NFL coaching landscape has seen significant upheaval this week, particularly with the New York Giants parting ways with head coach Brian Daboll after the team dropped to a disappointing 2-8, even after holding substantial leads in games.

Since taking the helm in 2022, Daboll compiled a record of 20-40-1 and even led the Giants to the playoffs in his first year, earning him the NFL Coach of the Year award. Now, it’s uncertain what the future holds for the 50-year-old coach.

It seems improbable that Daboll will find another head coaching role during the January hiring cycle. He was once considered a prime candidate when he first joined New York, thanks to his success as an offensive coordinator. However, his reputation has taken a hit following a challenging period as a head coach. There’s potential for him to land another opportunity down the line, but he may need to rebuild his credentials in the interim.

Let’s not rule out other possibilities, though. Daboll has been part of the NFL coaching scene since 2000, aside from a brief stint in 2017 when he worked with Nick Saban at Alabama. With the college coaching market set to heat up next month, it wouldn’t be surprising if a major program showed interest in him soon.

NFL Offensive Coordinator Roles

Transitioning into an offensive coordinator position seems like a plausible next step for Daboll in 2026, especially if he’s not looking to take some time off. He has accumulated eight seasons of experience in that role, most notably with the Buffalo Bills from 2018 to 2021. Daboll may find himself a desirable candidate for offensive coordinator roles soon. Teams looking for new offensive leadership might consider him—if a coaching change happens, he could be back in the mix. A reunion with Sean McDermott and Josh Allen might also be possible if Joe Brady moves up to a head coaching role or if the Bills decide to explore other options.

Opportunities in College Coaching

While perhaps not the most likely route for Daboll, the prospect of returning to college coaching shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. There’s talk of him potentially reuniting with Bill Belichick in North Carolina or even working with Saban, who might be contemplating a return from retirement. Additionally, Daboll has been associated with Lane Kiffin and could find himself joining Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss or pursuing other promising avenues.