When head coach Brian Daboll was fired by the New York Giants on Monday, it was a major surprise that defensive coordinator Shane Bowen wasn’t fired as well. The Giants have blown four fourth quarter leads this season, and the defense has not lived up to standards.
USATSI 25306347 168400517 lowres 4
Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; West head coach Shane Bowen of the New York Giants looks on during the second half against the East at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Daboll was the one responsible for hiring Bowen. There is a lot of talent on New York’s defense, but Bowen has not done a good job of coaching it. With that being said, interim head coach Mike Kafka and Bowen had a long talk this week about what the defense needs to do better. Would Kafka fire him if Bowen can’t fix anything moving forward?
New York Giants DC Shane Bowen Takes Responsibility For Brian Daboll’s Firing
USATSI 25304658 168400517 lowres 1
Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; West head coach Shane Bowen of the New York Giants looks on from the sidelines during the first half against the East at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
For now, the Giants defensive coordinator has kept his job. He spoke to reporters on Thursday about Daboll’s firing. Bowen also talked to Kafka during the week about possible adjustments. The Giants defensive coordinator said to reporters,
“From my perspective, it’s a myriad of different things that are showing up. I’ve got to do a better job of finding ways to create some opportunities to make the plays we need when we need them.”
He has said this line over and over again this season and nothing has been done about it. His horrible defensive schemes have costed the Giants games four times this season. Yes, Daboll is at fault, but the defensive coordinator is at fault as well.
Daboll was the one who hired him in the first place. They both should have been fired together. Bowen is most likely not going to be the defensive coordinator for New York for much longer anyways. All eyes will be on Kafka and the defense this week against the Green Bay Packers.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!