The turmoil at the New York Giants has deepened, with the organisation dismissing defensive coordinator Shane Bowen mere weeks after showing head coach Brian Daboll the door.
A Season of Squandered Leads
The decision, confirmed on Monday 24th November 2025, comes directly after the Giants' fifth road loss this season where they surrendered a lead of at least 10 points. The most recent, and seemingly final, straw was a 34-27 overtime defeat to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka, who was promoted from offensive coordinator after Daboll's firing, stated the move was "my decision to make". He added that after consulting with general manager Joe Schoen, he "felt like this was the right time".
Internal Frustrations Boil Over
The internal discontent was palpable during the loss in Detroit. Kafka revealed that star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence was "in tears on the sideline" after not being utilised in the game.
This was despite Lawrence informing Kafka during the contest that he was carrying an injury. The team had still planned to use him on obvious passing downs, but the tactics backfired spectacularly when he went unused and the Lions stormed back to win.
With a dismal record of 2-10, the Giants have already been eliminated from postseason contention. They hold the unenviable distinction of having lost an NFL-high five games after leading in the fourth quarter, and are currently on a six-game losing streak.
Looking Ahead to New England
Under Bowen's leadership, the Giants' defence has been a significant weakness, ranking 30th in the league for points allowed (27.8 per game) this season. This represents a decline from a 24th-place finish in his first year with the team.
Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will take over as the interim defensive coordinator immediately. The team's focus now shifts to their Week 13 clash against the New England Patriots next Monday.
Kafka asserted that the team's "only focus is to go 1-0 this week". He did find a small silver lining, noting he was encouraged that several players reported to the team's training facility early on Monday to begin preparations for the Patriots.
Following the trip to New England, the Giants will host the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings in two consecutive home games as they search for a strong finish to a desperately disappointing year.
