The New York Giants announced on Monday that they will retain general manager Joe Schoen despite the team finishing the season with a disappointing record of 4-13. This marks the Giants’ third consecutive losing season. The decision follows the recent dismissal of head coach Brian Daboll, who was let go last month after the team struggled throughout the year.
Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch emphasized in a statement that while the outcomes of the 2025 season were “deeply disappointing,” they believe maintaining “continuity and stability” in the front office is crucial for future progress. The Giants secured the fifth overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft after winning their final two games, providing some hope for the future.
The team expressed confidence in the talent pool developed under Schoen’s leadership. Their last two draft classes have shown promise, producing notable players such as quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers, edge rusher Abdul Carter, and running backs Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr.. Mara and Tisch stated, “We believe in our young core of talent, which we can build around for future success.”
Coaching Search and Future Prospects
Schoen has been actively involved in the team’s coaching search over the past month, handling the responsibilities while Mara undergoes treatment for cancer. Recently, he submitted a list of candidates for the head coach position to ownership. The search is expected to intensify now that the regular season has concluded, with interim coach Mike Kafka likely to be among those interviewed.
During Schoen’s tenure, the Giants have faced significant challenges, particularly after their initial playoff appearance in 2022. The team has struggled with a record of 7-27 over the last two seasons, resulting in a winning percentage of just .255 since the start of 2023. This performance has led to intense scrutiny of Schoen’s decisions and strategies.
Despite the setbacks, Schoen has acknowledged both the successes and failures of his time as general manager. He cited the need for reflection and learning from mistakes as critical components of his approach. “Nobody’s perfect, and the chances of me batting a thousand are gone because I’ve made mistakes,” Schoen stated. “As long as you’re learning from those mistakes and you reflect on the process in place, that’s what’s most important.”
Challenges Ahead
Schoen’s decision-making has faced criticism, particularly regarding player contracts and draft picks. He signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term deal after the 2022 season, only to release him less than two years later. Running back Saquon Barkley, who had been tagged as a franchise player, left in free agency to join the rival Philadelphia Eagles, where he achieved significant success, including winning the Offensive Player of the Year award and the Super Bowl in his first season.
Draft selections have also drawn attention, with first-round picks like offensive tackle Evan Neal and cornerback Deonte Banks underperforming. Neal did not play a snap this season, while Banks had limited roles for much of the year. Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, drafted fifth overall in 2022, has yet to meet the expectations set for a Pro Bowl caliber player.
Despite these challenges, the 2025 draft has provided a glimmer of hope, with promising additions like Dart, Carter, and Skattebo. Schoen’s commitment to improvement remains evident as he reflects on his experiences and aims to enhance the team’s future performance.
In conclusion, the Giants’ decision to retain Joe Schoen as general manager indicates a focus on stability amid the turbulence of recent seasons. As the team moves forward, the effectiveness of future decisions, particularly in the upcoming draft and coaching hires, will be critical in shaping the Giants’ trajectory.
