While this season was supposed to be historic for the New York Giants—marking the franchise's 100th season and surpassing 10 wins, a franchise record—the team is on the verge of making some embarrassing history that neither the fans nor owner John Mara are thrilled about.
After yet another blowout loss last week, this time on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, the FOX broadcast displayed a graphic about the last time Big Blue held the outright worst record in the NFL, went winless at home, and other ignominious milestones not worth bragging about. They then cut to a shot of Mara in his suite. When he noticed the camera was on him, Mara turned away and looked visibly upset.
Giants owner John Mara & family (Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel/Chris Mara Senior Player Personnel Executive pic.twitter.com/qVbOHXnLOP
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 22, 2024
The last time the Giants won a game at home was on January 7, 2024, in Week 18 of last season against divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles. This was also their last win over an NFC East opponent—almost exactly a year ago. I'd be embarrassed too if I were Mara and the Giants' front office!
The Giants have one more opportunity to win at home this season—this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts—and one last chance to take down a divisional rival next week in Philadelphia against the Eagles to close out the season.
The clip of Mara looking frustrated and now circulating online signals that significant changes must occur this offseason. The Giants have some serious work to do and difficult decisions to make to turn the page and finally put this ugly season to rest.
Let’s look at what changes may be coming for the Giants this offseason.
What changes will the Giants make this offseason?
The Giants will face several critical decisions this offseason, including determining their next franchise quarterback, restructuring the coaching staff, and deciding who will run the organization’s front office.
With the Giants currently holding the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New York will closely examine which college quarterbacks could become the franchise’s next signal-caller.
The G-Men's best options include Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who recently expressed interest in joining the Giants, and Miami's Cam Ward, who may be the best fit for the team.
If they choose to trade down in the draft, the Giants could consider Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel from Oregon or Alabama's Jalen Milroe.
While it’s unlikely Mara will shift from his current leadership approach regarding the head coach and general manager, the Giants could pursue several candidates to take the helm and steer Big Blue in the right direction.
The Giants could target these five candidates as their next head coach to replace Brian Daboll: Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Johnson seems like the best option, as he has led the Lions to one of the NFL's top offenses for the second straight season. However, it’s worth noting he will be a top candidate on the market, drawing interest from several teams across the league.
The Giants could also consider Mike Vrabel, who has proven leadership and success, winning multiple AFC South titles and leading the Tennessee Titans to the playoffs several times, including an AFC Championship game appearance in 2019.
If the Giants decide to pursue a different direction at the top of their front office, five candidates to replace Joe Schoen as general manager include Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi, Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby, Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek, Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, and Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown.
If the Giants hire Johnson, they could also bring Agnew along with him. The two have experience working together in Detroit, similar to when the Giants brought Daboll and Schoen from the Buffalo Bills. However, if there's anything we learned from last year’s Hard Knocks, Brown could be an excellent option as the next general manager since it would mean hiring internally.
While the Giants' season has not gone as planned, we can expect Mara and the organization to take decisive action this offseason to return to the playoffs and reclaim their winning ways.
