Mike McCarthy Emerges as a Serious Contender for Giants Head Coaching Job - and He’s Already a Fan of Jaxson Dart
The New York Giants are officially back in the head coaching market. After parting ways with Brian Daboll, the franchise is signaling a desire for a steadier, more experienced hand to guide the team forward - and all signs point to Mike McCarthy being firmly in the mix.
McCarthy, the former head coach of both the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, has the kind of résumé that commands attention. With nearly two decades of head coaching experience, a Super Bowl ring, and a long track record of regular-season success, he checks a lot of boxes for a Giants team that’s been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency.
But what might be just as important as his win-loss record is how McCarthy views the Giants’ most important asset moving forward: quarterback Jaxson Dart.
McCarthy Praises Dart’s Natural Talent - and Flags a Key Concern
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show this week, McCarthy didn’t hold back when asked about Dart. The veteran coach was clearly impressed by the young quarterback’s skill set, especially his ability to create outside the pocket and make plays with his legs - traits that have become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL.
“I love the way he plays,” McCarthy said. “When I evaluate quarterbacks, you look at the in-the-pocket ability versus the out-of-pocket, and what he does naturally, you can’t teach.”
That’s high praise coming from a coach who’s worked with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. McCarthy went on to say that “every quarterback coach in the United States would love to coach this guy,” citing Dart’s instincts and playmaking ability as rare commodities.
But it wasn’t all glowing. McCarthy also echoed a growing chorus of voices around the league who’ve raised concerns about Dart’s durability.
The rookie has taken a beating this season, often putting himself in harm’s way while fighting for extra yards. That aggressive style has already cost him time - including a concussion suffered in Week 10 that sidelined him for two games.
“We always talk about the two most important abilities: accountability and availability,” McCarthy said. “And availability is No.
- You’ve gotta be available for your team.”
It’s a fair critique, and one that speaks to the next step in Dart’s development: learning when to go for the extra yard and when to live to fight another down. McCarthy emphasized that improving Dart’s decision-making - particularly in the open field - is crucial if he’s going to stay on the field and lead this team long-term.
“We all love the way he plays, don’t get me wrong. We love the physicality… but he’s gotta get out of bounds.”
A Proven Winner With a Blueprint for Stability
If the Giants are looking for someone who can bring immediate credibility and structure to the franchise, McCarthy is one of the most qualified names available. His head coaching career spans 18 seasons, with 12 winning campaigns under his belt. His regular-season record stands at 174-112-2 (.608), and while his postseason mark is a more modest 11-11, he does have a Super Bowl title to his name from the 2010 season.
During his most recent stint with the Cowboys (2020-2024), McCarthy led Dallas to three straight 12-win seasons and compiled a 49-35 overall record. While playoff success eluded him in Dallas, the consistency he brought to the regular season is something the Giants have sorely lacked.
To put it in perspective: the last time the Giants won 12 games in a season was back in 2008. McCarthy has done it five times since then - twice with the Packers and three times with the Cowboys.
This wouldn’t be a hire made to chase a Super Bowl overnight. It would be about reestablishing a baseline of competitiveness. The Giants have only been relevant in December twice in the last decade (2016 and 2022), and McCarthy has a history of keeping his teams in the playoff hunt year after year.
More Than Just a Head Coach - A Builder of Staff and Quarterbacks
Beyond the wins and losses, McCarthy brings two other qualities that should matter a great deal in the Giants’ current situation: his ability to build strong coaching staffs and his track record with quarterbacks.
The Giants have seen a revolving door at the coordinator level in recent seasons, and stability in that department could go a long way in creating a consistent culture. McCarthy is known for surrounding himself with strong assistants, which could help solidify the infrastructure around Dart and the rest of the roster.
And speaking of Dart, McCarthy’s background working with quarterbacks is another key selling point. He’s helped develop and guide elite-level talent before, and his early admiration for Dart suggests he sees real potential in the young signal-caller - potential he’d likely relish the opportunity to help unlock.
The Right Fit at the Right Time?
Let’s be clear: McCarthy isn’t the flashiest name out there. He’s not the up-and-coming coordinator or the headline-grabbing college coach.
But what he brings is a proven formula for winning in the NFL. He knows how to manage a locker room, lead a staff, and get the most out of a talented roster.
And for a Giants team that’s been spinning its wheels for far too long, that might be exactly what they need.
The question now is whether the Giants are ready to prioritize stability and proven leadership over the allure of the unknown. If they are, Mike McCarthy could be the coach who finally brings Big Blue back to playing meaningful football when it matters most.