The Giants’ defensive struggles cost Brian Daboll his job. Here’s why New York should bring back Steve Spagnuolo to rebuild its once-proud defense.
The New York Giants’ 2025 season unraveled faster than anyone expected. What began with hope torpedoed into a 2–8 record and the firing of head coach Brian Daboll. Ownership opted to keep general manager Joe Schoen in charge of the search for a new leader. However, the problems that doomed this team was their defense. Despite offseason investments and new personnel under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the Giants’ defense has regressed to one of the league’s worst in total yards and points allowed. The lack of discipline, blown assignments, and late-game collapses have made it impossible for Daboll to survive the season.
Defensive Regression and Lost Identity
Giants fans have every right to be frustrated. For a franchise that once prided itself on physical defense and pass-rush dominance, this year’s unit has been a shell of its former self. Anyone looking at the NFL game lines week after week could see how little faith oddsmakers had in New York’s ability to keep games close. That perception didn’t come out of nowhere — it’s the product of a defense that routinely fails to get stops when it matters most.
Even with some offensive issues, the team’s biggest collapse came on the other side of the ball. Missed tackles, poor coverage, communication, and inconsistent pass rush have plagued the Giants all season. Those breakdowns not only cost games — they cost Brian Daboll his job.
Why Steve Spagnuolo Should Be the Next Giants Head Coach
That’s why the next move should be obvious: the Giants need to pick up the phone and call Steve Spagnuolo. “Spags” has already proven he can stabilize this organization — he did it as defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl XLII run and even served as interim head coach in 2017. His championship pedigree and defensive IQ have only grown since, as evidenced by his current success leading Kansas City’s defense. Bringing him back to New York would immediately restore credibility, toughness, and identity to a team that desperately needs all three.
Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes have always thrived on aggression, creativity, and player development — exactly what the Giants’ young core needs. Under his leadership, players like rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo could develop within a more balanced team.
Rashad Jennings Says Giants Could Hire Ex-Team DC Steve Spagnuolo As Head Coach | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/77oFVsVxC1 pic.twitter.com/nZD9GqeIlj
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) November 11, 2025
Final Thoughts: Rebuilding the Giants’ DNA Starts on Defense
The Giants’ collapse this season wasn’t about bad luck — it was about losing the edge that once defined them. New York doesn’t just need a new head coach; it needs a defensive identity. Steve Spagnuolo represents that identity. If the franchise wants to move forward and restore pride, start by bringing “Spags” home.
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