Posted on Nov 24

Giants fire DC Bowen, promote Bullen to interim after disastrous defensive performance

Posted Nov 24, 2025

The New York Giants have fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen amid a dismal season characterized by repeated failures to maintain leads.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Giants' urgent need for change as they struggle with a franchise-record 12 straight road losses and an NFL-high five games lost after leading in the fourth quarter. The firing underscores the team’s dire situation, as they currently sit at 2-10 on the season.

What’s new: Charlie Bullen, the outside linebackers coach, has been appointed the interim defensive coordinator following Bowen's dismissal.

Bullen will take over a defense that ranked 30th overall, allowing an alarming 385 yards and 27.8 points per game.
The Giants defense has also struggled against the run, yielding a league-worst 5.93 yards per carry.

By the numbers: Bowen's tenure was marred by unprecedented struggles.

The Giants have blown a double-digit lead five times this season, tying an NFL record.
They are 2-5 in games where they initially held a double-digit advantage.

Yes, but: The decision to fire Bowen is part of a broader trend in the organization, which has seen significant changes recently.

Head coach Brian Daboll was dismissed just two weeks prior to Bowen's firing, indicating a systemic failure within the team's leadership structure.
Interim head coach Mike Kafka emphasized his confidence in Bowen prior to the firing, suggesting that the decision may have come as a surprise to some within the organization.

What to watch: As Bullen steps into the role, all eyes will be on how he adjusts the defensive scheme to address the team's shortcomings.

Will he implement a new strategy that better utilizes the players' strengths?
How will the team respond to this significant shift in leadership amidst a disappointing season?

The bottom line: The Giants are at a crossroads as they navigate through an extremely challenging season.

The choice to move on from Bowen signals an acknowledgement of the need for a fresh approach, both defensively and organizationally, as they seek to rebuild for the future.

Giants fire DC Bowen, promote Bullen to interim after disastrous defensive performance

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 24, 2025

The New York Giants have fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen amid a dismal season characterized by repeated failures to maintain leads.

What’s new: Charlie Bullen, the outside linebackers coach, has been appointed the interim defensive coordinator following Bowen's dismissal.

Bullen will take over a defense that ranked 30th overall, allowing an alarming 385 yards and 27.8 points per game.

The Giants defense has also struggled against the run, yielding a league-worst 5.93 yards per carry.

By the numbers: Bowen's tenure was marred by unprecedented struggles.

The Giants have blown a double-digit lead five times this season, tying an NFL record.

They are 2-5 in games where they initially held a double-digit advantage.

Yes, but: The decision to fire Bowen is part of a broader trend in the organization, which has seen significant changes recently.

Head coach Brian Daboll was dismissed just two weeks prior to Bowen's firing, indicating a systemic failure within the team's leadership structure.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka emphasized his confidence in Bowen prior to the firing, suggesting that the decision may have come as a surprise to some within the organization.

What to watch: As Bullen steps into the role, all eyes will be on how he adjusts the defensive scheme to address the team's shortcomings.

Will he implement a new strategy that better utilizes the players' strengths?

How will the team respond to this significant shift in leadership amidst a disappointing season?

The bottom line: The Giants are at a crossroads as they navigate through an extremely challenging season.

The choice to move on from Bowen signals an acknowledgement of the need for a fresh approach, both defensively and organizationally, as they seek to rebuild for the future.