Stephen A. Smith Backs The Giants’ Decision To Fire Brian Daboll. He Joked That Jaxson Dart Would’ve Been ‘Vegetarian’ If The Coach Stayed

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has strongly backed the New York Giants’ decision to fire Head Coach Brian Daboll. He was dismissed after the team’s record dropped to a very disappointing 2-8. 

Smith’s most talked-about comment was a joke that rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart would have become a ‘vegetarian’ if Daboll had remained coach. This comment was a humorous way of criticizing Daboll’s offensive play-calling and team management. 

The joke also highlights a serious concern that his the team’s failure to protect their rookie quarterback. Dart has suffered multiple hits and four concussion evaluations already this season. Smith’s backing of the firing explains that Daboll was not properly prioritizing the young player’s health and long-term future. 

“He’s a rookie. Why the hell are you calling five designed running plays for Jaxson Dart?… At this rate, he would have been a vegetable.”

Dart Suffered A Nasty Concussion

Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a concussion during the Giants’ Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred after Dart took a hard hit at the end of a run play, where he crashed headfirst into the ground. The injury was so significant that he was forced to be benched for the rest of the game.

This concussion was the fourth time Dart entered the league’s concussion protocol. This is quite an alarming frequency for a young player. It has also raised serious questions about the Giants’ offensive strategy, which has often relied on Dart to perform aggressively. 

Many, including former NFL players and analysts, believe the coaching staff under Daboll was putting Dart in unnecessary danger. Ryan Clark, another ESPN analyst, publicly stated that the Giants needed to prioritize the franchise’s future and Dart’s safety over trying to save the coach’s job. This severe injury was likely a final factor leading to the team’s decision to fire Daboll. 

Daboll’s Firing Opens Up A Spot For Head Coach

The firing of Brian Daboll mid-season has opened up the head coaching position for the New York Giants. The team quickly named offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. 

Kafka’s promotion provides him a chance to audition for the permanent role over the remaining seven games. The search for the next permanent head coach is expected to focus on finding someone who can properly work side-by-side with Jaxson Dart. Some potential names who could take the role include Mike Tomlin if he decides to leave Pittsburgh. However, a major name being discussed is Lane Kiffin, the current Ole Miss head coach, who previously coached and developed Dart in college. 

The Giants’ decision to keep General Manager Joe Schoen means he will lead the coaching search. The next scout and hiring for a coach is crucial, as the team holds a projected top-five pick in the upcoming draft. The franchise needs to hire a leader who can not only win games but also ensure the long-term success and health of their young quarterback.