New York Giants co-owner John Mara was unapologetically critical of the team’s defense during his year-end press conference, leading many to believe that defensive coordinator Shane Bowen would be fired.
“Quite frankly, I didn’t think our defense played very well this year at all,” Mara said. “I know that when you have an offense that performs like that, you’re putting more pressure on your defense. But we need to make improvements there.
“I’m tired of watching teams go up and down the field on us. So, I think that has to be addressed. I think we need some more depth in the offensive line. But, the number one thing, certainly, is the quarterback.”
A week later Bowen remains. And it appears it will stay that way.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Giants and head coach Brian Daboll are “moving forward” with Bowen as their DC.
To be clearer on #Giants DC Shane Bowen: My understanding is Brian Daboll is moving forward with him as his coordinator. My best read on it as of now is he remains in that role in East Rutherford in 2025 https://t.co/BZAhWwfIpN
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 12, 2025
As bad as the defense played, the Giants really had no alternative but to stick with Bowen. They had already shuffled the deck in 2024 after parting ways with two coordinators — Wink Martindale and Thomas McGaughey — and could be forced to change another this offseason should Mike Kafka land a head coaching job.
Given Mara’s stance on consistency and continuity — the very argument used to retain Schoen and Daboll — potentially changing two coordinators for the second consecutive season would result in some ugly optics. And if there’s one thing this Giants team cares about, it’s optics.
There is one small caveat, however. Mike Vrabel has taken over as head coach in New England and is already expected to poach executive Ryan Cowden. Could Bowen, who served as his defensive coordinator in Tennessee, be next? And if an interview were requested, would the Giants deny it?
Although Big Blue plans to move forward with Bowen, that situation is worth watching.
