Super Bowl Winning Coach’s Message to Jaxson Dart Resurfaces After Brian Daboll’s Firing

Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Super Bowl Winning Coach’s Message to Jaxson Dart Resurfaces After Brian Daboll’s Firing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 4:50 PM ET

Jon Gruden made it known that he’s a huge fan of Jaxson Dart’s game. After the New York Giants cut ties with now-former head coach Brian Daboll, Gruden could throw his hat in the ring to be Big Blue’s next leader.

“I have never seen a guy play the position like this,” said Gruden, a former NFL head coach, in April on “Gruden’s QB Class.” “He takes people on physically. He takes them on with his fiery personality — and he’ll take big hits and deliver strikes. He’s a great competitor, and I’d love to coach him.”

Gruden referred to Dart as “the Evel Knievel of quarterbacks” during the installment, as well. The rookie signal-caller has given the Giants some hope for the future, but blows have begun to take their toll on him.

During the pre-draft episode, Gruden urged Dart not to take any unnecessary contact, namely on scrambles. He suffered a concussion on a read option play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Including the preseason, it was the fourth time this go-round that Dart was evaluated for such an injury.

“You are one tough son of a (expletive), aren’t you?” Gruden said.

“I just feel like, as a quarterback, you’ve gotta be the one that sets the tone of the offense,” Dart said. “Regardless of how many times you’re gonna get hit or not hit. A lot of the best plays are those where you’re close to getting sacked and you just have a split second to get the ball out of your hands.”

Daboll was fired after a 2-8 start, with the Giants having won only 11 of their past 44 outings. Gruden hasn't coached since being in charge of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. He won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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

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