The New York Giants wrapped up an underwhelming 2023 season. They finished with a 6-11 record and hold the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite a win in Week 18 over the Philadelphia Eagles, it was clear that the organization needed to make some changes. Now, the Giants have made those changes.
New York Giants Fire Two Coaches
Two coaches appear to be the sacrificial lambs for the New York Giants this season. The first is OL coach Bobby Johnson. The second is special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey. Here is what head coach Brian Daboll said about each of these firings:
“I want to thank Bobby Johnson and Thomas McGaughey. I respect both of those guys and their commitment to the team. But we wanted to make a change.” -Brian Daboll
What Led to This
For one thing, the Giants’ record did these coaches no favors. New York went 6-11 in 2023 after making the playoffs and winning a playoff game last year. Plus, these were two areas the Giants were specifically weak in.
The offensive line was a talking point all season. The Giants by far had the most sacks allowed in the NFL. It resulted in no quarterback being safe behind that offensive line along with multiple quarterback injuries.
So, what was wrong with their special teams? The answer is that it was practically non-existent on kickoff returns. The Giants ended up ranking 30th in average kickoff return yards per game.
New York Giants Moving Forward
This was just the second year that GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were in charge for the Giants. For now, it appears that the Giants’ organization will give these two a chance to run it back. New York hopes they can have another season like their produced their first year.
Then, there is the question of what happens to defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Reports have revealed that the Giants plan to keep Wink for at least one more season. This comes out just weeks after there were rumors that Wink and the Giants may part ways.
However, Daboll attempted to put those rumors to bed immediately after they came out by giving Wink the game ball after their win over the New England Patriots in Week 12. Kayvon Thibodeaux shined in Wink’s system, producing 11.5 sacks this season. Now, they will get a chance to build off this relationship next year.
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