Giants Stick with GM Joe Schoen Despite Struggles
In a surprising move that defies the trend of complete front office overhauls following disappointing seasons, the New York Giants ownership announced Monday they will retain General Manager Joe Schoen despite another disastrous campaign. Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch issued a statement acknowledging the team’s profound disappointments while expressing their belief in maintaining front office continuity. “The 2025 season has been deeply disappointing, and the results on the field have not lived up to the standard this organization and our fans expect,” they stated, confirming Schoen will lead both football operations and the search for a new head coach following Brian Daboll’s midseason dismissal. This vote of confidence comes amid a third consecutive losing season that had many observers convinced the organization would clean house entirely.
Schoen’s tenure with the Giants, which began alongside Daboll in 2022, has been marked by several controversial decisions that have drawn intense criticism from fans and analysts alike. Perhaps most infamous was allowing star running back Saquon Barkley to walk in free agency, only to watch him sign with division rival Philadelphia, where he won a Super Bowl and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. Equally puzzling was Schoen’s decision to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a massive four-year, $160 million extension in 2023, only to cut him this season—after which Jones found success with the Indianapolis Colts. These high-profile missteps have defined much of Schoen’s reputation in New York and created legitimate questions about his talent evaluation and financial management skills.
Despite these significant miscues, the Giants ownership appears to value Schoen’s draft record above his free agency and contract negotiation struggles. His ability to identify and secure promising young talent through the draft—including standout wide receiver Malik Nabers, explosive running back Cam Skattebo, disruptive pass rusher Abdul Carter, and potential franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart—likely saved his position. These draft selections represent bright spots in an otherwise disappointing era of Giants football and suggest Schoen may have a better eye for collegiate talent than for managing established NFL players and contracts. The owners specifically highlighted this aspect in their statement, noting: “We believe in our young core of talent, which we can build around for future success.”
The decision to retain Schoen while parting ways with head coach Brian Daboll reveals an interesting dynamic in the Giants’ organizational thinking. Both men arrived together in 2022 with hopes of revitalizing a struggling franchise, but only Schoen survived the fallout from their 22-45-1 combined record. This separation suggests the ownership believes the team’s struggles stem more from coaching and execution than from roster construction and talent acquisition. It represents a calculated gamble that Schoen’s draft acumen can eventually outweigh his contract management missteps, provided the right head coach can maximize the talents of the players Schoen has assembled.
For Giants fans, this announcement likely produces mixed emotions. On one hand, there’s legitimate frustration about retaining a general manager whose decisions directly contributed to watching beloved homegrown stars succeed elsewhere while the team continues to struggle. The optics of Barkley hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Eagles green remains particularly painful, as does the resurrection of Daniel Jones’ career in Indianapolis after being labeled a bust in New York. These wounds are fresh and deep for a fanbase that has watched their team become increasingly irrelevant in the competitive NFC East. On the other hand, there’s a certain logic to avoiding complete organizational upheaval and recognizing the promising young talent that has been accumulated.
As the Giants move forward, the pressure on Schoen will be immense. His next head coaching hire will be scrutinized extensively, as will every draft pick, free agent signing, and contract negotiation. The leash is likely shorter than it appears, with the 2026 season potentially representing a true make-or-break year for his tenure. The owners’ statement about “continuity and stability” suggests they recognize the dangers of constant organizational turnover, but patience has its limits in the NFL’s results-driven environment. Schoen must demonstrate that his vision for rebuilding the Giants can translate into tangible on-field success, turning promising draft picks into competitive football teams. For a proud franchise with a storied history, the current state of affairs remains unacceptable, regardless of who occupies the front office.
