5 Shocking Reasons Brian Daboll’s Viral ‘6 7’ Moment Couldn’t Save His Giants Career

The recent firing of Brian Daboll from the New York Giants in late 2025 marks a dramatic end to a tenure that began with such high promise, including a playoff win and a Coach of the Year award. Despite a brief moment of viral fame for referencing the obscure "6 7" meme—a moment of levity that briefly endeared him to a younger audience—Daboll's coaching seat ultimately grew too hot. This article dives into the full context of the bizarre "6 7" reference and analyzes the critical factors that led to his abrupt dismissal, confirming the absolute latest updates on his career as of December 2025. The New York Giants relieved Daboll of his duties following a disappointing start to the 2025 NFL season, a decision that shocked some but was anticipated by others after a string of losses. His story is a classic example of the volatile nature of the NFL, where a single successful season is often not enough to secure a long-term future.

Brian Daboll: Complete Coaching Biography and Profile

Brian Michael Daboll is a highly respected figure in American football, known for his deep offensive knowledge and experience across multiple NFL franchises and collegiate programs.

• Full Name: Brian Michael Daboll
• Born: April 14, 1975
• Birthplace: Welland, Ontario, Canada
• Age: 50 (as of December 2025)
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
• Alma Mater: University of Rochester
• Wife: Beth Daboll
• Children: Five children
• Coaching Experience: 30+ years in NFL and NCAA
• Notable Awards: AP NFL Coach of the Year (2022)
• Most Recent Position: Head Coach, New York Giants (2022–2025)
• Current Status: Unemployed (as of December 2025), rumored for Offensive Coordinator roles.

Coaching History Timeline (Key Roles)

Brian Daboll's career is marked by multiple stints with legendary coaches like Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, showcasing his adaptability and offensive expertise.

• 1997–1998: William & Mary (Restricted earnings coach)
• 2000–2006: New England Patriots (Various offensive roles, including Wide Receivers Coach)
• 2007–2008: New York Jets (Quarterbacks Coach)
• 2009–2010: Cleveland Browns (Offensive Coordinator)
• 2011: Miami Dolphins (Offensive Coordinator)
• 2012: Kansas City Chiefs (Offensive Coordinator)
• 2013–2016: New England Patriots (Tight Ends Coach)
• 2017: Alabama (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach)
• 2018–2021: Buffalo Bills (Offensive Coordinator)
• 2022–2025: New York Giants (Head Coach)

The Viral ‘6 7’ Meme: A Bizarre Moment of Pop Culture Crossover

The phrase "6 7" exploded into the public consciousness, not as a reference to Brian Daboll's height or a football statistic, but as a bizarre, in-joke meme that originated on TikTok. It's a phrase that has no real meaning outside of being a non-sequitur response to a question, often used to confuse or amuse. The fact that an NFL head coach would drop this reference in a press conference made the moment instantly viral and became a symbol of his attempt to connect with the modern player and fan base. The moment occurred in August 2025, after a preseason game. Daboll was asked about rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who wears the number 6. When discussing Dart's performance and attributes, Daboll casually inserted the phrase "6 7" into his answer, leaving reporters and the public utterly confused. While some speculated the reference was a coded message or a mistake, it was quickly confirmed to be a deliberate nod to the viral trend. This brief, lighthearted moment gave Daboll a reputation for being culturally aware and willing to engage with his players on their level. However, a viral meme—no matter how popular—cannot outweigh the cold, hard realities of an NFL win/loss record.

The 5 Critical Factors That Led to Brian Daboll's Firing

Despite being named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 2022 after leading the Giants to a playoff berth and their first postseason victory in over a decade, Daboll’s tenure came to an abrupt end in the middle of the 2025 season. The decision by Giants owner John Mara and the front office was driven by a confluence of factors, primarily stemming from a precipitous decline in team performance and internal friction.

1. The Disastrous 2025 Season Start

The most immediate cause for his dismissal was the team's abysmal performance during the 2025 campaign. The Giants began the season with a poor record, sitting at 2-8-0 before the front office decided to make a change. This poor start followed a disappointing 2024 season where the team finished with a 3-14-0 record. The overall regular season record under Daboll was a concerning 20-40-1, which ranks as one of the worst by a head coach in Giants franchise history.

2. Internal Coaching Staff Conflict

Reports of escalating internal friction between Daboll and key members of his coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Don Martindale, plagued the organization. While the specifics often remain behind closed doors, a lack of unity and visible tension among the leadership group is often a precursor to a coaching change. A head coach's primary job is to manage the staff and the locker room, and the inability to maintain a cohesive environment signaled a loss of control to the ownership.

3. Offensive Regression and Quarterback Struggles

Daboll was hired largely due to his success as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, where he helped develop quarterback Josh Allen into an MVP candidate. The expectation was that he would replicate this success with the Giants' quarterback situation. However, the Giants' offense struggled significantly during his final two seasons. Injuries and inconsistent play, coupled with a lack of clear offensive identity, led to one of the league's lowest-scoring attacks, undermining the very reason he was brought in.

4. The Hot Seat Pressure from 2024

Daboll had already entered the 2025 season on the "hot seat" following the poor 2024 season. The Giants' ownership had hoped the 2022 playoff run was the beginning of a sustained period of success, but the regression in 2023 and 2024 put immense pressure on Daboll to deliver immediate results in 2025. When the team stumbled out of the gate, ownership felt they had no choice but to act to salvage the long-term direction of the franchise.

5. Loss of Locker Room and Ownership Confidence

Ultimately, a head coach's tenure ends when they lose the confidence of the key stakeholders: the players and the owners. The string of losses, the lack of performance accountability, and the public reports of internal discord all contributed to an environment where ownership felt a change was necessary to reset the culture. The decision to relieve him of his duties was a clear indication that John Mara no longer believed Daboll was the right person to lead the team.

The Future: Where Will Brian Daboll Coach Next?

The NFL is a league of second chances, and a coach with a pedigree like Brian Daboll's will not be unemployed for long. His deep history as an offensive coordinator—a role in which he has achieved significant success—makes him an immediate and highly attractive candidate for numerous teams. Rumors are already swirling about his next destination, with many speculating he will return to an offensive coordinator position in the NFL or even a high-profile college job. His ability to develop quarterbacks, demonstrated during his time with the Bills' Josh Allen and his brief but successful stint at Alabama, is a valuable commodity. Potential destinations include any team looking for a veteran play-caller to revitalize a struggling offense or mentor a young quarterback. He is even being mentioned for college roles, such as the Offensive Coordinator position at Georgia Tech. Brian Daboll's legacy with the Giants will be a complicated one: the high of the 2022 playoff run and Coach of the Year award, juxtaposed with the low of a mid-season firing in 2025. The "6 7" meme will remain a bizarre footnote, a moment of cultural relevance that momentarily transcended the game, but ultimately could not save his job from the harsh reality of the win column.