In 2019, after ending the season with a disappointing 4-12 record, the New York Giants decided to part ways with head coach Pat Shurmur after just two seasons. This decision triggered a major reset for the organization, forcing them to start fresh under a new head coach, Joe Judge. However, this change had unintended consequences, particularly for quarterback Daniel Jones, who had been selected under Shurmur’s leadership. Without enough time to fully adapt and develop within the original system that drafted him, Jones’ growth was stunted — a move the Giants later came to regret.
Internal Reflections Within the Giants’ Leadership
The effects of this coaching turnover are still felt today within the Giants’ organization. Some suggest it’s a major reason why current head coach Brian Daboll retains his position, even after two challenging seasons. After Shurmur’s exit, Giants’ owner John Mara acknowledged that the coach wasn’t entirely to blame, praising Shurmur’s contributions, especially in the selection and initial development of Jones.
When Joe Judge took over, the Giants shifted their focus toward achieving greater stability — a theme they continue to prioritize under Daboll. Despite reports and rumors suggesting Daboll’s job was in jeopardy over the past season, some insiders argue that the internal pressure wasn’t as intense as it seemed. According to analysts, the Giants’ ownership was cautious about making another quick decision, especially after regretting the impact that an early coaching change had on Daniel Jones.
Mara had openly admitted that letting go of Shurmur after Jones’ rookie season may have disrupted the young quarterback’s trajectory. This past mistake now serves as a valuable lesson as the team moves forward.
New Hope: Jaxson Dart Era Begins
Learning from their previous errors, the Giants appear determined not to repeat history with their latest quarterback acquisition, Jaxson Dart. If Dart shows real promise by the end of his rookie season, it would be considered shortsighted to dismiss Brian Daboll and risk destabilizing the young quarterback’s development. Stability will be crucial if they want Dart to thrive in New York.
Lane Kiffin’s Confidence in Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart, who played college football at Ole Miss under head coach Lane Kiffin, was selected 25th overall in the latest NFL Draft. Having originally transferred from USC to Ole Miss, Dart flourished under Kiffin’s coaching, becoming a standout quarterback.
Lane Kiffin recently expressed strong belief in Dart’s future with the Giants, particularly in his chemistry with newly drafted wide receiver Malik Nabers. Kiffin praised Dart’s dedication, predicting that the young quarterback would invest significant time building a connection with Nabers — including working together during the offseason to perfect their timing and routes. Kiffin is optimistic that Dart and Nabers could form a dynamic duo for years to come.
Jaxson Dart’s Impressive College Record
During his tenure at Ole Miss, Dart started in 38 games over three seasons, achieving three consecutive winning campaigns. He excelled with deep passes, completing 42% of them, and recorded an adjusted completion rate of 47.7%. Over his college career, he amassed 10,617 passing yards, 72 passing touchdowns, and added another 1,498 rushing yards with 12 rushing scores. These accomplishments highlight why there is growing excitement about what Dart could bring to the Giants.
Looking Ahead
The focus now shifts to whether Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers can translate their potential into on-field success and redefine the future of the New York Giants. Given the lessons learned from the Daniel Jones era, the Giants are likely to exercise more patience and provide Dart the stability he needs to succeed.