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New York Giants Retain General Manager Joe Schoen Amidst Disappointing Season

1/6/2026, 3:12:59 AM

Giants' Decision to Retain Joe Schoen

The New York Giants have confirmed that General Manager Joe Schoen will remain in his position for the 2026 season, despite the team finishing the 2025 campaign with a disappointing 4-13 record. This marks the Giants' third consecutive losing season, prompting speculation about Schoen's future following the midseason firing of head coach Brian Daboll. Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch emphasized the importance of "continuity and stability" in the front office, stating that these factors are crucial for the organization's progress.

Performance Overview

Since Schoen's hiring in January 2022, the Giants have struggled significantly, posting a record of 22-45-1, including just one playoff appearance in his first season. The team has experienced a notable decline, with a combined record of 7-27 over the past two seasons. Critics point to several missteps during Schoen's tenure, including the decision to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term contract, only to cut him less than two years later. Additionally, the departure of running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won the Super Bowl and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, has drawn significant criticism.

Ownership's Perspective

In their statement, Mara and Tisch acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the team's performance, asserting, "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 expressed confidence in the young core of talent that Schoen has assembled, which includes promising players like quarterback Jaxson Dart, wide receiver Malik Nabers, edge rusher Abdul Carter, and running back Cam Skattebo. This belief in the potential of the roster appears to have influenced the decision to retain Schoen.

Criticism and Challenges

Despite the optimism surrounding the young talent, Schoen's draft decisions have faced scrutiny. Notable first-round picks, such as offensive tackle Evan Neal and cornerback Deonte Banks, have not yet met expectations, with Neal missing the entire season due to injury and Banks primarily contributing on special teams. Additionally, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has not developed into the Pro Bowl player anticipated. Schoen himself has acknowledged the mixed results of his tenure, stating, "Nobody's perfect... I've made mistakes, OK."

What's Next for the Giants

As Schoen prepares for the upcoming offseason, he will lead the search for the Giants' next head coach. Interim coach Mike Kafka is expected to be among the candidates interviewed. The Giants also hold the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they hope to leverage to strengthen their roster further. Schoen's ability to navigate this critical period will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of the franchise.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “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.” — John Mara, Co-owner
  • “Continuity and stability in the front office is important to our progress.” — Steve Tisch, Co-owner
  • “I have a ton of confidence in him,” — Jaxson Dart, Quarterback

The Giants' decision to retain Joe Schoen underscores their commitment to a long-term vision, even as they navigate the challenges of a struggling franchise.