What had seemed fairly inevitable for more than a year became reality Nov. 10, the New York Giants deciding to fire head coach Brian Daboll in the midst of a 2-8 season. His tenure with the franchise ends with a 21-41-1 record when including a surprise playoff appearance at the end of the 2022 campaign, Daboll's first at the helm and an effort that earned him NFL Coach of the Year honors.

Yet he was something of a victim of his early success, which included maximizing the ability of former quarterback Daniel Jones and the ill-fated decision to extend his contract following the 2022 season – an outlier during the 2019 first-round pick’s six-season stay in the Big Apple. Daboll was 11-34 in the aftermath of the wild-card win Jones engineered at Minnesota in the 2022 playoffs.

He and GM Joe Schoen, whether justified or not, also suffered their share of slings and arrows as their decision to part with RB Saquon Barkley − the Giants' best and most popular player at the time, a feeling shared by co-owner John Mara − was documented by HBO's "Hard Knocks" during the 2024 offseason.

“The past few seasons have been nothing short of disappointing, and we have not met our expectations for this franchise. We understand the frustrations of our fans, and we will work to deliver a significantly improved product," Mara, typically one of the NFL's more patient owners, and chairman Steve Tisch said in a joint statement Monday.

And yet it seems like Big Blue’s vacancy, which will be at least temporarily filled by highly regarded offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, should be a highly attractive one – perhaps primarily so among the upcoming cycle’s opportunities, which presently also include the Tennessee Titans – going into the 2026 season and beyond.

Here’s why:

Quarterback Jaxson Dart could be foundational

Daboll has a reputation, largely forged with reigning league MVP Josh Allen, for developing young quarterbacks and had done commendable work with Jaxson Dart, one of the team’s first-round picks this year. However it is worth wondering if he was rushed onto the field too early amid the team’s 0-3 start – whether it was a competitive decision by Daboll, a self-preservation choice, placating the fan base, or all of the above. It certainly seemed like Dart was being thrust into too many questionable scenarios lately, when the talent around him was quickly degrading. Still, he’s flashed the ability and moxie that could make him a star and seems appropriately wired to handle the New York market. The team would probably be wise to hire another reputable offensive mind as its next head coach or OC to keep Dart’s development on the upswing.

Veteran Russell Wilson, who started the first three games, is on a one-year deal. Journeyman Jameis Winston, a fan and locker room favorite – and one of the league’s better backups in recent years – is under contract through the 2026 season.

Giants roster highlighted by young talent

The team’s exciting young core is currently damaged, but not irreparably so. Incandescent WR Malik Nabers (ACL) and rookie RB Cam Skattebo (ankle) won’t be back this season. Dart, whom the Giants traded back into the first round earlier this year to get at the 25th spot, was concussed during Sunday’s loss at Chicago. OLB Abdul Carter, the third overall pick of the 2025 draft, might wind up being the best player on the team – his only setback this year an early inability to live up to his pre-draft billing. They represent the future of an organization that hasn’t been very good since it won Super Bowl 46 nearly 14 years ago.

Veteran LT Andrew Thomas, DL Dexter Lawrence II, S Jevón Holland, CBs Cor'Dale Flott and Paulson Adebo and OLBs Kayvon Thibodeaux and, especially, Brian Burns (he's tied for the NFL sack lead with 11) are among those who could be major building blocks or trade capital depending upon which direction the team goes next offseason − and it seems like Schoen may remain for the long run, tasked Monday to lead the search for Daboll's replacement.

The run defense, offensive line, secondary, and wideout depth all loom as areas of concern. Flott and slot WR Wan'Dale Robinson seem like the only pending free agents the team should strongly consider re-signing in 2026.

Giants' salary cap flexibility in middle of NFL pack

The Giants are currently projected to have $14 million for free agency next year, per Over the Cap − middle of the pack league-wide but well below the clubs positioned to be major spenders. While it would make sense to bring in veteran talent while Dart is on a rookie contract, it might also make sense to wait until 2027 – after Daboll’s replacement has determined what he really needs.

2026 NFL draft should yield two early picks

The Giants are currently projected to select third and 34th overall in next year’s draft. They don’t presently have a Round 3 pick, the remainder of their tab to the Texans in the move up to get Dart in April.

Giants outlook hinges on continued development

It sure seems like the guts of a potential up-and-coming powerhouse are present. Maintaining an appropriate infrastructure around Dart and fostering an environment that allows the young, would-be stars to flourish must be paramount. But these Giants have already shown they can stand toe-to-toe with the Eagles, Cowboys and Commanders within the NFC East. Hiring the right people to push the buttons in 2026 and beyond could restore the G-Men to a perennial contender sooner than later.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Giants vacancy attractive with Brian Daboll fired? Yes, and Jaxson Dart just one reason

Reporting by Nate Davis, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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