There is a lot of conjecture about the job security of the 2-8 Giants. Significant offseason changes have been the focus of recent reports on head coach Brian Daboll, general manager Joe Schoen, and quarterback Daniel Jones.
Since the beginning of the Daboll-Schoen administration in 2022, both coordinators have been in charge. 36-year-old Kafka moved to New York following five seasons in Kansas City. He spent four of those years coaching quarterbacks, and his contribution to Patrick Mahomes’ performance elevated him to a highly regarded position in the coaching ranks. Last season, Kafka’s team had mediocre overall offensive and scoring output, but their on-field performance enabled the Giants to make an unexpected run to the divisional round.
Though things haven’t gone as planned this year, Kafka’s achievement during the 2023 season attracted significant interest as a head coach. Due to their numerous injuries, which have included Jones and running back Saquon Barkley on occasion, the Giants are worst in the NFL in terms of points (11.8) and yards (288) per game. It would be fascinating to watch how Daboll manages the side of the ball he has familiarity with (if he survives off the strength of last year’s success), given there haven’t been many indications of a late-season improvement.
Unlike Kafka, Martindale had a lengthy professional career that includes two separate stints as a DC before he was appointed by the Giants. After his worst performance as a coordinator with the Ravens, Baltimore decided to let the 60-year-old go, ending his ten-year stay with the team. Martindale had led the Ravens to a top-three finish in scoring defense in each of the three seasons before his team’s poor 2021 performance.
On Martindale’s side of the ball, though, the squad has regressed, much as with the Giants offense. New York’s run and pass defenses have been worse over the previous season, and the team is presently ranked 29th in terms of points allowed per game (26.6). In reaction to safety Xavier McKinney’s apparent lack of contact with the team’s captains and criticism of the coaching staff, Martindale recently made his answer public. It seems that the issue has now been handled.
Pauline quotes Giants insiders who predict that Kafka in particular will probably be leaving shortly. With pressure mounting on his job security, it will be intriguing to watch how he manages Tommy DeVito, an undrafted rookie, continuing to play center. Martindale’s performance is also something to keep a close eye on as the Giants assess their deficiencies following a disappointing season.