The 2-8 Giants are at the center of much job security speculation. The head coach Brian Dabollgeneral manager Joe Schoen and quarterback Daniel Jones have all been the subject of recent news stories on the topic of significant changes made during the offseason. 
As things currently stand, each member of this trio appears to be safe, although there is still much to see in the second half of the campaign. However, given the struggles the team faced throughout the season, it wouldn’t be surprising if changes were made. On this point, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and defensive coordinator Don Martindale are among the staff expected to be made redundant at the end of the year.
The two coordinators have been in place since 2022, the start of the Daboll-Schoen regime. Kafka, 36, joined New York after five seasons in Kansas City. This period included a four-year stint as QB coach and his role in Patrick MahomesHis success has made him a highly sought-after member of coaches. Kafka’s unit posted poor overall numbers in scoring and total offense last year, but success on the field helped the Giants make an unexpected run to the divisional round.
This success earned Kafka significant interest in head coach during the 2023 season, but things didn’t go as planned this year. Dealing with a plethora of injuries – including that of Jones and, at times, the running back Saquon Barkley, among other things – the Giants are at the bottom of the NFL in points (11.8) and yards (288) per game. Few signs of late-season improvement have been shown, so it will be interesting to see how Daboll (assuming he survives on last year’s success) handles the side of the ball he has strength in. experience.
Martindale, unlike Kafka, has extensive experience at the professional level, including two different stints as DC before his appointment to the Giants. The 60-year-old saw his 10-year tenure with the Ravens come to an end when Baltimore opted to move on after his worst performance as coordinator there. In each of the three seasons prior to his unit’s lackluster performance in 2021, Martindale had guided the Ravens to a top-three defensive scoring ranking.
However, like the Giants’ offense, the team took a step back on Martindale’s side of the ball. New York currently ranks 29th in points allowed per game (26.6), with both run and pass defense having regressed from last season. Martindale recently made his response public to safety Xavier McKinneyThe coach’s criticism of the coaching staff and perceived lack of communication with the team captains, an issue that appears to have since been resolved.
Pauline cites Giants sources who believe Kafka in particular will likely be on his way out soon. It will be interesting to see how he handles the continued run of an undrafted rookie. Tommy DeVito under center with pressure seemingly leaning on his job security. Likewise, Martindale’s performance will be worth watching closely as the Giants evaluate their shortcomings during a losing season.
