Presser Points: Takeaways from GM Joe Schoen
General manager Joe Schoen addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center. The Giants, who suffered their seventh consecutive loss the night before, are heading into their bye in Week 14, the latest possible slot in the NFL schedule. They will return on Sunday, Dec. 14 to host the Commanders. The Giants will play three of their final four games at home, including matchups with the Vikings in Week 15 and the Cowboys in the finale. In between, they travel to Las Vegas.
Here's a breakdown of the key points from the GM's press conference:
- Head Coach Search: Schoen emphasized that the primary focus is on supporting Mike Kafka and his staff for the last four games. They will engage in collaborative research and consider potential coaches at an appropriate time.
- Mike Kafka: Kafka will receive a thorough evaluation and is already being closely scrutinized.
- Brian Daboll: Daboll was relieved of his duties as head coach following the Week 10 loss at Buffalo. Schoen and Daboll have a professional and personal history dating back to their time with the Dolphins and Bills. Daboll is considered a "great football coach" and will be "successful" in his future endeavors.
- ** Schoen's Role**: Schoen acknowledges his responsibility in the team's failures, stating that ownership made a decision to move on. He appreciates the work of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who is a "tireless worker, a good coach, and a good man."
- Head Coach Candidates: Schoen believes the Giants will be an "attractive job" for candidates. He highlights the opportunity to build around a promising young quarterback on a rookie contract for the next four years, describing it as "fun."
- Player Discipline: Schoen supports Kafka's approach to player discipline. Rookie Abdul Carter, the No. 3 overall pick, has not started two of the past three games, even with Kayvon Thibodeaux sidelined. Kafka's decisions are described as "coach's decisions."
- Dart's Performance: Dart has "exceeded expectations" and impressed Schoen. Schoen appreciates Dart's toughness and desire to win, but also emphasizes the importance of availability and avoiding unnecessary hits.
- Perception of Dart's Selection: Schoen clarifies that the decision to draft Dart was an organizational one, made after numerous conversations, including meetings with Jaxson at the Senior Bowl. Dart was on their radar early.
- Roster Evaluation: Schoen acknowledges the need for the team to come together collectively. He admits that the Giants have strayed from their process and believes in at times. The team's record is 5-25 since the start of last season and 20-43-1 since Schoen took over in 2022. Schoen is committed to getting the organization back on track and competing for championships.
- Future Plans: Schoen will explore all avenues to improve the franchise and get it back to its rightful place.
- Conflict of Interest: Schoen addresses the potential conflict if a head coach candidate wants his own general manager. He believes they will be able to fill the job without such a conflict.
