This futility cost Daboll his job on November 11. In announcing the decision to part ways with Daboll, the Giants said Schoen will remain in his position and will lead the search for a new head coach. Assistant Mike Kafka took over HC on an interim basis after Daboll was fired, and Schoen told reporters Tuesday that Kafka is “getting a real eye right now” on getting the full-time role.
“My focus right now is to support Kafka as we move forward and we will evaluate all aspects of the football operation as we move forward,” Schoen said. “Has it been perfect? No, but I’m very confident in my staff, myself and our ability to get this franchise back to where it needs to go.”
Schoen was asked Tuesday why Daboll was being held accountable, but it appears he was not.
“My hand is in it just like Brian’s. Ownership made the decision to move forward and again, I’m going to control what I can control and that’s the support of (interim HC Mike) Kafka going forward,” Schoen said. “I wish Dabs nothing but the best, and we’re going to do everything we can to get this franchise back to where it should be.”
Schoen appeared to have entered the postseason last winter after the Giants went 3-14 in 2024. Told the club is in the same position now as it was a year ago, Schoen pointed to a young core of talent that should provide reason for optimism.
The Giants appear to have landed a potential QB after trading back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart, and rookie quarterback Cam Skattebo was a brief sensation out of the backfield before suffering an injury during the season. Wide receiver Malik Nabers had a stellar rookie season in 2024 before a knee injury ended his second season in September.
“We have a good, young quarterback who is on a rookie deal for the next four years,” Schoen said. “That’s when it gets fun — when you’re building around a young quarterback, you’ve got a good core, you’ve got a good left tackle, you’ve got a wide receiver who had a historic year in his rookie season, you’ve got a good backroom, you’ve got a good pass rush. There are things in place, and I understand the question. I have confidence in the next organization and our coach to lead our club.”
One of those supposed building blocks — No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter — has had a disappointing rookie campaign, riddled with disciplinary issues.
Carter was benched for the first quarter of Monday’s loss, marking his second bench start in three weeks.
Schoen defended Carter on Tuesday, but supported Kafka in the way he disciplines players.
“(Carter) is smart and understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a professional,” Schoen said. “These kids are 21 years old and they’re thrust into the spotlight in New York City. It’s not always going to be perfect.”
Dart has also faced questions about his playing style after missing two games with a concussion and enduring a number of knocks when he returned to action on Monday.
“What makes these players great is their toughness, their competitiveness, their desire to win,” Schoen said. “You appreciate that with Jaxson, but you also have to be available and try not to take the unnecessary shots. I would say last night was probably unnecessary, probably could have gotten out of bounds and it’s third-and-1. Instead we get a penalty, and he takes a shot and now it’s third-and-16. That’s what makes him competitive and fine line, and that’s his fine line and win. that’s how he’s set up so you try to find a fine line between playing smart and not taking what makes him great.”