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Giants Make Coaching Move After Jaxson Dart's Statement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 5:32 PM ET

Jaxson Dart had a memorable rookie campaign for the New York Giants in 2025. This is despite all the uncertainty surrounding the coaching ranks following the front office's decision to fire former head coach Brian Daboll midseason.

It was Daboll who gave Dart his chance, opting to promote the rookie as the team’s QB1 just three weeks into the new season. Daboll, however, was relieved of his post after going 2-8 to start the season. Mike Kafka, the team’s offensive coordinator and assistant coach, was named the new interim head coach after Daboll’s dismissal.

The Giants are now looking ahead to the 2026 season, and former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has emerged as a candidate for the opening in New York.

Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns parted ways on Monday.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Dart remained as the Giants’ starting quarterback under Kafka, who does not appear to have done enough to secure the head coaching post for next season after finishing the campaign with a 2-5 record.

On Monday, Dart shared his feelings about Stefanski, who was recently fired by the Browns after a 5-12 campaign. Dart had nothing but praise for Stefanski, whom the young QB met during the draft process.

“Coach Stefanski was great,” Dart said on Monday, via SNY. “He’s had a really good career, especially from an offensive-side of things. I thought the visit with him and his staff went well, and I think he’s a really good coach.”

On Tuesday, news emerged that the Giants have decided to interview Stefanski. Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network reported that New York has scheduled an interview for Stefanski on Wednesday.

This move comes one day after Dart’s statement on Stefanski, who has now emerged as a strong candidate for the head coaching position. Dart also said on Monday that he wants his next head coach to be someone “someone who can match my intensity and I can match theirs.” The 22-year-old also hopes to have “the same vision and outlook” with his new coach.

It is clear that Dart, who finished his rookie campaign with 216-of-339 completed passes (63.7%) for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, along with 86 carries for 487 yards and nine rushing TDs, thinks highly of Stefanski. At this point, it has become increasingly possible that these two will be working together next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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