The New York Giants are once again at a familiar crossroads - one that’s become all too common for a franchise still searching for stability in the post-Eli Manning era. With head coach Brian Daboll dismissed midseason, the organization has signaled a shift away from its recent win-now mentality and back toward a rebuild. And while GM Joe Schoen initially appeared safe, the tide may be turning.
A string of losses and a less-than-reassuring bye-week press conference have cast doubt on Schoen’s future. If ownership decides to move on at the end of the season, the search for a new general manager could define the next chapter of Giants football. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing candidates who could be in play - both from outside and within the organization.
Alec Halaby: The Analytics Ace from Philly
If the Giants want to modernize their front office and bring in a forward-thinking executive, Alec Halaby’s name is one to watch. Currently the assistant general manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, Halaby has spent 16 seasons with the franchise and has played a major role in shaping one of the league’s most consistent contenders.
He was promoted to assistant GM in 2022 after six years as Philadelphia’s VP of football operations and strategy. Halaby is known for his analytical approach - a data-driven mind who blends football IQ with a deep understanding of modern roster construction. At just 38 years old, he’s considered a rising star and has been a key figure behind the scenes during the Eagles’ recent success.
Hiring Halaby wouldn’t just be a bold move - it’d be a statement. Poaching talent from a division rival, especially one as successful as the Eagles, could inject new energy and innovation into a Giants franchise in need of both.
Ray Agnew: A Familiar Face with a Rebuilding Blueprint
Ray Agnew brings a different kind of appeal - one rooted in experience, familiarity, and the kind of steady leadership that’s helped turn the Detroit Lions into legitimate contenders.
Agnew, currently the Lions’ assistant GM, played for the Giants in the late '90s and has since built a strong front-office résumé. Working alongside GM Brad Holmes, Agnew has helped guide Detroit through a patient but highly effective rebuild. His background in player personnel and scouting could be exactly what the Giants need as they look to retool their roster.
There’s also a cultural fit here. Agnew understands what it means to wear the Giants uniform, even if it was brief. That connection, paired with his front-office success in Detroit, makes him a compelling candidate for a team looking to balance familiarity with fresh ideas.
Ed Dodds: The Experienced Evaluator from Indianapolis
Ed Dodds has been one of the most respected front-office minds in the league for years - and it feels like only a matter of time before he lands a GM job. Currently serving as the assistant general manager for the Indianapolis Colts, Dodds has been instrumental in building one of the AFC’s most complete rosters.
He’s been with the Colts since 2017 and took on the assistant GM role in 2018. His fingerprints are all over the team’s draft strategy, free-agent moves, and overall roster construction. While he’s yet to take on the top job, Dodds has long been viewed as a future general manager - and the timing may finally be right.
For the Giants, Dodds could bring a steady, experienced hand to a front office that has lacked consistent leadership in recent years. He’s known for his no-nonsense approach to evaluation and would likely have a clear vision for how to build a sustainable contender.
In-House Options: Brandon Brown and Kevin Abrams
Of course, the Giants could choose to look inward - though that seems less likely if the goal is a full reset. Still, two names stand out internally: Brandon Brown and Kevin Abrams.
Brown, the team’s assistant GM since 2022, has quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s more progressive young executives. He’s been involved in both pro personnel and college scouting, giving him a well-rounded perspective on roster building. Brown has already interviewed for multiple GM jobs around the league and is viewed as a rising star in front-office circles.
Then there’s Kevin Abrams, a longtime fixture in the Giants’ organization. Now in his 27th season with the team, Abrams serves as the senior VP of football operations and strategy. He’s been managing the team’s salary cap and has long been a trusted voice in the building.
While both Brown and Abrams bring value, the Giants’ recent struggles may prompt ownership to seek a clean break. Promoting from within would maintain continuity, but it may not be enough to spark the kind of transformation the franchise is looking for.
What Comes Next
The Giants’ next move at general manager will be pivotal. After years of instability - both on the field and in the front office - this decision could set the tone for the next era of Giants football.
Whether they go with a rising analytical mind like Halaby, a steady leader like Agnew, a respected evaluator like Dodds, or take a chance on one of their own, the Giants have options. But one thing is clear: the franchise can’t afford to miss on this hire.
After all, the right GM doesn’t just build a roster - they build a culture. And that’s exactly what the Giants need right now.