The New York Giants are almost certain to undergo some changes after their 4-8 start to this season which is surely leading to the Giants drafting in the top-10 at the NFL draft next April.
Head coach Brian Daboll seems secure (for now) but his coordinators may be in trouble. The rift in the relationship between Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is well-documented and surely headed for a parting of ways.
However, Dan Duggan of The Athletic believes that isn’t as obvious as it may appear.
Daboll would definitely chip away at his public support if he cut ties with the popular Martindale. And it would be a tough look for Daboll’s leadership ability if he has to replace all three coordinators, especially if the departures of Martindale (and others) are personality-related. That’s why I think ownership will try to mediate the relationship with Martindale, unless it’s past the point of no return, which is what Jay Glazer’s report indicated.
The Giants’ offense has been putrid this season and ranks among the worst in the franchise’s 99-year history. Coordinator Mike Kafka, who was a hot commodity after last season on the NFL head coaching carousel, could be out fielding job offers once again come this January.
Duggan believes the Giants could replace Kakfa with quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney, a close Daboll ally.
It would be scapegoating offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to fire him since head coach Brian Daboll is so heavily involved in the offense. But it wasn’t a good sign for Kafka that Daboll took a more hands-on role with the offense midway through the season, which came after speculation about the head coach taking over play-calling in the second half of the Week 2 comeback win over the Cardinals. It’s not hard to imagine Daboll taking the reins of the offense as he enters a pivotal third season.
Finally, this could be the final season for special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey as the Giants’ quality of play on specials has dropped dramatically this season.
Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey’s days are numbered. He has spent 10 years with the Giants over two stints, with his current run beginning in 2018. Surviving two coaching changes is an impressive feat, and it speaks to the regard top brass has for him…But the writing has been on the wall for McGaughey, as his units have been involved in too many disastrous plays this season.
The Giants will likely make changes to at least two of the three units as they continue to search for the right combination for success.
