The New York Giants are entering yet another transitional phase after the firing of Brian Daboll, with Mike Kafka stepping in as interim head coach. Once viewed as one of the league’s most promising young offensive minds, Kafka now faces the challenge of steering a struggling franchise through one of its worst stretches in years.
The Giants have been struggling across all fronts, sitting near the bottom of the NFC with a dismal record and a locker room searching for direction. With Kafka taking over, immediate questions have surfaced regarding the future of his coaching staff, particularly defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
The defense has been inconsistent, often unable to close out games, and that will only add pressure to Kafka’s new role. According to insider Connor Hughes, this period will serve as a test of Kafka’s leadership and ability to bring stability to the franchise.
“It’s among reasons no other staff changes are expected at this time, per sources,” Hughes WROTE. “This does not mean DC Shane Bowen is safe the rest of the season, but changes to staff will be Kafka’s call moving forward.”
The #Giants view this as a test for Mike Kafka. They want to see how his leadership radiates through rest of staff & to players. It’s among reasons no other staff changes are expected at this time, per sources.
This does not mean DC Shane Bowen is safe the rest of the season,…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 10, 2025
The Giants want to see how his influence extends through the coaching staff and the players. Hughes noted that while no immediate changes are expected, the authority over the staff now rests solely with Kafka.
That includes decisions regarding Bowen, whose future is uncertain despite remaining in his position for now. This interim stint is essentially his audition, not just to save the Giants’ season, but to prove he can command an entire organization.
How he handles Bowen and the rest of his staff could determine whether Kafka’s future remains in New York or elsewhere in the league.
Why the Giants Fired Brian Daboll?
Brian Daboll’s firing marks the collapse of what began as a promising era. When he arrived in 2022, the Giants looked revitalized, winning nine games and a playoff matchup against Minnesota. But that early success quickly faded.
The team followed up with a 6-11 record in 2023 and a disastrous 3-14 finish in 2024, one of the worst in franchise history. This season’s 2-8 start turned out to be the last straw. Fans and analysts alike began labeling the Giants a laughingstock, plagued by poor execution, missed tackles, and unimaginative play-calling.
Ownership finally decided to pull the plug, believing the team had lost its identity under Daboll. His inability to develop consistent quarterback play and a string of blowout losses left little justification for patience.
With Mike Kafka now in charge, the Giants are hoping to regain structure, accountability, and perhaps some long-lost credibility before the season spirals further out of control.
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