PFN names Giants’ Brian Daboll Midseason Coach of the Year
Coming into the season, nobody could have forecasted the New York Giants to have a 6-2 record going into Week 9.
The coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for Big Blue’s surprising record and head coach Brian Daboll has put together quite the campaign for Coach of the Year consideration.
Pro Football Network has released their midseason awards and the Giants head coach was, in fact, their pick for the Coach of the Year Award.
The Giants looked to be embarking on a total reset this season. With Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen running things, New York was prepared to suffer through a dismal 2022 campaign with the hope things would improve in future years.
But Daboll has made the most of a depleted Giants roster. Big Blue is 6-2 and on track for the playoffs, which no one could have predicted before the season began.
Daboll ceded play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, but he’s been instrumental in rehabilitating Daniel Jones’ career. The former first-round pick is 11th in QBR and is on pace to shatter his previous career highs as a rusher. Jones has also come through in the clutch — leading the NFL with four fourth-quarter comebacks and five game-winning drives.
The Giants rank ninth in EPA per play despite having essentially zero receivers and a poor offensive line. New York’s defense is also playing above its weight, and Daboll deserves credit for hiring DC Wink Martindale.
No matter how this season turns out, 2022 has already been a success for the Giants. If Daboll manages to win a playoff game in his first season as a head coach, it will just be icing on the cake.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel were honorable mentions.
Although Sirianni’s Eagles are undefeated, the Giants’ expectations were much lower entering the season and Big Blue’s schedule has been much tougher at this point.
Saquon Barkley was an honorable mention for Comeback Player of the Year, behind Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, and Offensive Player of the Year, behind Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
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