The New York Giants' recent decision to retain Joe Schoen as general manager has sent a clear message: standards have gone out the window. This move, following a dismal 4-13 season and a 3-14 record the year before, is a bold declaration by ownership. The Giants' poor performance under Schoen's leadership, with a 22-45-1 record over four seasons, ranks among the worst in the NFL.
For fans who still hold on to hope, this decision is a tough pill to swallow. It's a reminder that even with a rich history, the franchise is struggling to keep up with its past glory. But ownership has the final say, and in this case, it's a family affair.
Schoen's survival is a mystery. Despite an initial promising season, the Giants have struggled under his watch, with a 13-38 record in the past three years. But Schoen is just one piece of a larger problem. The real issue lies with the franchise's culture of nepotism and a lack of accountability.
The Giants' front office is riddled with family members in key roles, a practice that was once discouraged by legendary GM George Young. His warnings fell on deaf ears, and now we see the results. Chris Mara, the younger brother of team president John Mara, has been a fixture in the organization, despite the team's poor performance. His role is expected to grow as John Mara battles cancer, and his nephew, Tim McDonnell, has also climbed the ranks, now holding the title of director of player personnel.
The Giants' record since McDonnell's promotion is abysmal, yet he continues to rise. While it's not all his fault, keeping him in a prominent role during this dark period raises questions. And it's not just family members; there are others across the organization who have remained untouched despite regime changes.
A new GM might shake things up, but that's not on the cards. Schoen has won over ownership, and now the focus turns to finding a new head coach to save the franchise. History suggests this is a repeat of past mistakes. Brian Daboll, who arrived with Schoen, was let go mid-season, and yet, the only change was at the coaching level.
The Giants have painted themselves into a corner. Schoen believes he won't be a deterrent to coaching candidates, but the reality is different. The Giants need to get this search right, and keeping Schoen could be an unnecessary hurdle. The question remains: what advantage does Schoen offer over starting fresh with a new GM and coach?
The Giants' latest decision to extend Schoen's contract is a sign of their unwillingness to make tough choices. They're chasing a dream, hoping for an instant turnaround, but the odds are stacked against them. The fans, who have stuck with the team through thick and thin, are now left with little confidence in an organization that seems to be digging itself deeper into a hole.
This once-proud franchise has seen better days. The latest decision is a clear indication that the Giants are struggling to find their way back to the top.
