In a surprising twist of events, former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur has made headlines once again—this time as the newly appointed offensive coordinator at the University of Colorado. Shurmur, who is best known for his two-year tenure as the Giants’ head coach from 2018 to 2019, has not stayed quiet since making his departure from the NFL. Instead, he’s sent a message that has the football world buzzing, especially New York Giants fans.
In an unexpected move, Shurmur, who had previously been in the spotlight for his leadership of the Giants during a tough period in the team’s history, reportedly sent a powerful and somewhat “devastating” message to current Giants head coach Brian Daboll. The nature of this message, though vague in specifics, has left many speculating about the underlying tension between the two coaches and what it could mean for the future of the Giants’ organization.
The Message
Sources close to the situation reveal that Shurmur’s message to Daboll was anything but cordial. It’s been described as a candid yet stern reflection of Shurmur’s thoughts on Daboll’s performance since taking over as head coach in 2022. According to insiders, Shurmur’s message was a mixture of advice and criticism, with a particularly sharp focus on Daboll’s offensive strategies. While the exact wording of the message remains unclear, the sentiment is undeniable—Shurmur is clearly not pleased with the direction the Giants have taken under Daboll’s guidance.
Reports suggest that Shurmur questioned Daboll’s ability to develop a consistent offensive system and effectively utilize the team’s roster. During his time with the Giants, Shurmur was often criticized for the team’s struggles on offense, despite having the highly talented quarterback Daniel Jones under his leadership. However, the Giants’ offense failed to produce at the level many expected, leading to Shurmur’s eventual departure.
But now, with the Giants attempting to rebuild under Daboll, Shurmur’s words are seen as a sharp critique of Daboll’s approach. Insiders claim that Shurmur questioned Daboll’s ability to inspire confidence in his players and questioned his handling of the offensive side of the ball, particularly in terms of play-calling and quarterback development.
The State of the New York Giants Offense
Under Brian Daboll’s leadership, the Giants showed some improvement, notably with the team making the playoffs in the 2022 season. Daboll, who had been highly regarded for his work as the offensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills, led the Giants to a Wild Card playoff game, where they eventually lost to the Minnesota Vikings. However, many have argued that Daboll’s success in 2022 was more about overcoming a lack of offensive talent than showcasing an explosive offense.
The Giants’ offensive performance in 2023 was an entirely different story, as they struggled to gain consistency, and Daniel Jones’ development seemed to plateau. Many of Daboll’s decisions surrounding the offense came under scrutiny, especially when considering the lack of wide receiver depth and a still-developing offensive line. As Daboll’s second season as head coach came to an end, the overall offensive issues became harder to ignore.
Shurmur, who had worked with Jones during his own tenure with the Giants, is acutely aware of these challenges. He witnessed firsthand the growing pains of trying to build a strong offense in New York, and it appears that he may feel some level of vindication in pointing out the Giants’ ongoing struggles. Some believe that Shurmur’s critique is more than just an attempt to throw shade; it may be a reflection of his belief that Daboll has not done enough to elevate the team’s offense to a sustainable level.
Pat Shurmur’s New Role at the University of Colorado
Now, as the new offensive coordinator at the University of Colorado, Shurmur is diving into college football, eager to make an impact on the next generation of athletes. His new role has given him a fresh perspective, and he seems intent on turning Colorado’s struggling offense into a powerhouse. For a coach like Shurmur, whose tenure in the NFL was marked by moments of promise but also a series of failures, this opportunity represents a chance to prove that he still has much to offer in terms of offensive scheming and player development.
Shurmur’s arrival at Colorado has been met with optimism, as the program looks to rebuild under head coach Deion Sanders. With a solid reputation in the NFL, Shurmur’s experience could be instrumental in helping Colorado recruit top-tier talent and develop an explosive offense. His presence on the staff has already started to energize the fanbase, who are excited to see how his coaching style translates to the college level.
Yet, while Shurmur focuses on his new role in Boulder, it is impossible to ignore the lingering impact of his message to Brian Daboll. Many Giants fans will be watching closely to see how Daboll responds to the criticism, especially as the 2024 season approaches. Will he adjust his offensive approach, or will Shurmur’s words fall on deaf ears? It remains to be seen, but the tension between the two coaches adds an intriguing subplot to the ongoing rebuilding process in New York.
What This Means for Brian Daboll and the Giants
For Brian Daboll, the criticism from Shurmur could be a wake-up call. As the Giants’ head coach, Daboll has already faced a tough road in turning around a franchise that had been underperforming for years. However, Shurmur’s message could highlight a deeper issue in the coaching ranks: the need for constant self-reflection and improvement. While Daboll has shown promise, his offensive play-calling has been a point of contention among critics, and the Giants’ inability to develop a high-powered offense has been one of the organization’s biggest obstacles.
For the Giants organization, the message from Shurmur also raises questions about the future direction of the team. Should they double down on Daboll and continue to build the offense around his vision, or is it time for another change? This will undoubtedly be a point of discussion as the team enters its third year under Daboll’s leadership.
As for Shurmur, his message is unlikely to be the last word in the ongoing debate over the Giants’ offensive future. But what is clear is that both coaches—Shurmur and Daboll—are driven by a desire to win. With Shurmur now at Colorado and Daboll still trying to find his footing with the Giants, it will be interesting to see how their careers evolve and whether Shurmur’s critique has any lasting impact on Daboll’s approach in New York.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, the relationship between coaches can be complex, especially when former coaches still have a stake in the future of the teams they once led. Pat Shurmur’s move to Colorado and his message to Brian Daboll is a reminder that the competitive nature of football often extends far beyond the game itself. Whether Daboll can use this criticism to improve the Giants’ offense or if Shurmur’s words will prove to be a warning, only time will tell. For now, the football world watches closely as two former New York Giants coaches navigate their careers in very different directions.