Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Giants HC Search

ESPN New York – November 11, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the state of the New York Giants following the firing of head coach Brian Daboll, dissecting where responsibility lies in the organization’s failures, and speculating on the future of the head coach and general manager positions. The trio, joined by insights from reporters, callers, and prominent voices in sports media, explore the complexities of the Giants’ woes—player handling, fractured relationships among coaches, and the conundrum of picking the next leader for the storied franchise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Blame for Daniel Jones & The Dart Dilemma

• Jordan Raanan’s Insight on Daboll’s Handling of Dart:
  Raanan highlights that the issue isn't just Jackson Dart's style as a running QB but the organization's enabling of his reckless play, emphasizing competitiveness over player longevity.

  • “It’s not the fact that they’re running him a lot... it’s the fact that they were enabling him to try to get these extra yards...” (01:42 – Jordan Raanan)

• Hahn and Rosenberg on Daboll’s Coaching Tactics:
  Hahn notes that Daboll’s approach—using Dart as a tool to save his own job—led to a Jekyll-and-Hyde treatment of his quarterbacks.

  • “...when he was screaming at Daniel Jones, was sending the message, he's the reason I can't win.” (03:34 – Alan Hahn)

• Iconic Daniel Jones Memories:
  Peter recalls two haunting moments: Jones left in a blowout on opening day and the lack of public support from Daboll after a playoff win.

  • “They're begging him to say something nice about the quarterback...he would say everything else except compliment the quarterback.” (04:36 – Peter Rosenberg)

2. The Daboll–Martindale Rift & Organizational Dysfunction

• Unfiltered Sideline Dynamics:
  Reports indicate Daboll’s volatility on the headset—disruptive yelling so intense that defensive coordinator Wink Martindale struggled to concentrate.

  • “Wink’s thing was I couldn't even concentrate because it was the yell. The yelling was just too much on the headset.” (02:26 – Jordan Raanan, paraphrased)

• Leadership Failures:
  Don laments how Daboll’s inability to coexist with top-tier assistants and fractious sideline interactions foreshadowed his doom.

  • “You had a great DC, you got rid of them because you couldn't get along with him. All of that is on the head coach, not on the general manager.” (18:10 – Don Hahn)

• Org Structure Observations:
  Several hosts emphasize the Giants’ chronic failure to learn from mistakes—especially the perils of mismatched QB and HC timelines and the recurring pattern of GM/coach instability.

  • “You cannot have a lame duck coach and a rookie quarterback. You have to marry up those timelines.” (05:50 – Don Hahn)

3. General Manager Joe Shane: On Thin Ice or a Lock?

• Ian O’Connor via Alan Hahn:
  Shane is likely to stay unless major collapse occurs, but his missteps—mostly personnel, not structural—are underscored. The Saquon Barkley transaction and misreading the Eagles’ intentions are cited.

  • “His mistake was thinking Philadelphia wasn't in play. He said it there. I don't think he's going to Philadelphia. I don't think Philadelphia is interested. That's where he screwed up.” (21:23 – Alan Hahn)

• Caller Debate:
  Disagreements with listeners on whether talent or coaching is the central problem, and if Shane deserves to lead the next phase.

  • “If this organization had a decent GM and even a quality coach, they'd be so much better...You bring in a solid GM and a solid coach, the New York Giants are going to be on top again.” (17:17 – Robbie in Lenox, MA)

4. Future of Giants Coaching – Kafka & Other Candidates

• Mike Kafka’s Interim Audition:
  The guys see real upside (and little risk) in letting Kafka prove himself. If the offense stays afloat amid injuries—and with no major defensive upgrades—that may be Kafka’s best argument for the full-time job.

  • “Kafka's the guy calling the plays... they’re still finding ways to be competitive offensively... if you can write this ship a little bit with nothing changing, that’s a pretty big endorsement of Kafka.” (10:01–10:32 – Alan Hahn & Peter Rosenberg)

• Defensive Coordinator Dilemma:
  Uncertainty about Shane Bowen’s future and who’s truly to blame for the defensive woes.

  • “Maybe Bowen isn't the problem. Maybe the problem was Dable and it created a problem with Bowen. I don't believe that. I don't think Bowen’s done a good job.” (11:26 – Alan Hahn)

5. The Russell Wilson/Jameis Winston Question

• Quarterback Triage:
  With Dart in concussion protocol, the table is set for possible QB switch-ups. The hosts argue Winston deserves a shot if there’s no faith left in Wilson, whose effort level is being questioned as the season sours.
  • “Russ doesn't want to run, he doesn't want to get hit…When he wants to throw. He can’t throw. Everything’s a duck.” (12:33–12:47 – Don Hahn & Peter Rosenberg)

6. Coaching Search: The Lane Kiffin, John Gruden, and Kevin Stefanski Debates

• Callers’ Coaching Wish List:
  Lane Kiffin, John Gruden, and Kevin Stefanski are floated. The hosts dissect their merits and question whether a “retread” or a “C-suite” type is what the team needs.

  • “I'm saying that they have enough talent, okay? If this organization had a decent GM and even a quality coach, they'd be so much better.” (17:17 – Robbie, caller)
  • “If I could hand pick a guy, it would be Stefanski…But it’s a mess in Cleveland.” [32:44 – Dan Orlovsky soundbite, paraphrased & discussed]

• Hahn’s Coaching Perspective:
  Cautions listeners not to overrate offensive whizzes—head coaches must marry the whole operation, not just the QB.

  • “When did all of a sudden we take the coach out of head coach? Is it head quarterback guy? … There’s a lot of things that go into being a coach than just getting quarterback play.” (34:34 – Alan Hahn)

7. The Giants’ Culture, History & The Pressure of New York

• The Legacy of Tom Coughlin:
  Nostalgia for Coughlin, contrasting current impatience with the legendary coach’s turbulent job security—reminding fans and the media of the perils of overreacting and failing to value actual success.

  • “God, do I miss Tom Coughlin. God, do I miss all of the issues of the Tom Coughlin Giants.” (49:55 – Alan Hahn)

• On What’s Needed Next:
  Don and Hahn agree: With four consecutive failed hires, only a proven, seasoned hand should take the Giants job this time—even if an “inexperienced guy” could surprise.

  • “It’s too important a job. They have literally failed four consecutive times with their head coach…They’ve got to get this right.” (47:41 – Don Hahn)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sideline Drama:
  “The yelling was just too much on the headset. I couldn’t even concentrate on calling plays half the time.” (02:26 – Jordan Raanan)

• On Treating QBs Differently:
  “Did you ever see him do that with anybody else other than Daniel Jones? Throw him a tablet?” (03:27 – Don Hahn)

• On Organizational Failure:
  “You cannot have a lame duck coach and a rookie quarterback. You have to marry up those timelines.” (05:50 – Don Hahn)

• On Fan Cynicism:
  “There are kids who had the exact same thing in New York with the Giants 7 and 11. They're like, oh, that's what happens. You just win championships every four years. And now Coughlin's been gone and it's been pure garbage ever since.” (50:22 – Peter Rosenberg)

Callers & Interaction Highlights

• Robbie (Lenox, MA):
  Wants a “CEO” type like Kiffin or Gruden; argues it's more about Shane than Daboll.

• Luca (SoHo):
  Suggests Kevin Stefanski, but the crew is skeptical about bringing in a coach steeped in a losing culture.

• Moose (Jamaica):
  Calls for a new regime top-to-bottom; suggests someone from the Chargers’ defensive staff.

Fun & Offbeat Segments

• Yacht rock interlude: Extended banter about the band Sneaker and the song “More Than Just the Two of Us,” trading music trivia and jokes, lightening the mood and giving listeners a taste of the trio’s banter off the main sports beat (26:14–44:00).

Conclusion

This episode offers a razor-edged critique of the Giants’ leadership and the perils that come with decades of organizational misfires. While diving into the potential for an in-house solution or an external overhaul, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg balance incisive sports breakdowns with classic New York personality, sharp humor, and fan interaction.

If you missed the show, this is the episode to understand the Giants’ crossroads and what’s (possibly) next.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:42: Jordan Raanan on Daboll, Dart, and sideline enabling
• 03:34: Alan Hahn on Daboll’s treatment of Daniel Jones
• 05:50: Don Hahn’s organizational timeline gripe
• 10:32: Kafka’s candidacy for the head coach job
• 17:17: Robbie’s call—wants Kiffin or Gruden
• 21:23: Alan Hahn on Joe Shane’s Barkley misstep
• 34:34: Alan Hahn on “head coach” vs “offensive mind”
• 47:41: The importance of not missing again on HC hire
• 49:55: Tom Coughlin nostalgia & modern impatience

Original Tone and Language Maintained. Attribution Provided. Ad/intro/outro segments omitted.