PHOENIX – Brian Daboll's first season with the Giants resulted in a resurgence for the team and a prestigious award for the coach.
Daboll received the Associated Press 2022 NFL Coach of the Year here Thursday night at the 12th annual NFL Honors ceremony. Being so honored was not on his mind when he was named the Giants' 20th head coach little more than year ago.
"I had a lot of work to do, still have a lot of work to do," he said. "I just think it's a testament to the coaches, players and really the people in the building from the ownership down. That's why I'm here – because of all those other people."
View photos of head coach Brian Daboll's time with the New York Giants.
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll in the locker room following a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll following week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8)during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll, Eli Manning,
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Laura Young Director of Coaching Operations
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Michael Strahan, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll & General Manager Joe Schoen
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, WR David Sills V (84)
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
General Manager Joe Schoen & Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Head Coach Brian Daboll addresses the media at the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sam Prince, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sam Prince
Tyrod Taylor (2), Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Tyrod Taylor (2), Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll
Head Coach Brian Daboll
General Manager Joe Schoen, OT Evan Neal, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, Head Coach Brian Daboll
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll before minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Wan'Dale Robinson during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll before minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Amani Toomer
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following an organized team activity practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduces Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll waves to fans before training camp Fan Fest practice at MetLife Stadium on Friday August 5, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Sam Prince shake hands during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll talks to Dexter Lawrence during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former NFL coach Bill Cowher during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Morris following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with assistant general manager Brandon Brown during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former Giant Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll stands in the offensive huddle during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 23, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talk during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Wink Martindale talk during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with former New York Giant OJ Anderson following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brandon Jacobs talks with Brian Daboll after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen, Ronnie Barnes and Leigh Weiss during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 15, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen watch training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll arriving before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to high school football players after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll arriving before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 15, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes hands with head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with defensive coordinator Don Martindale during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday May 17, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brandon Jacobs talks with Brian Daboll after training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday May 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll following a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduce boys from the San Miguel Academy following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talks during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen and Shaun O'Hara during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) talks with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Brandon Jacobs during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants yea coach Brian Daboll talks to the offense in the huddle during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday July 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Joe Schoen during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Mario Manningham shake during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen talk during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday June 3, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen talks with Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 13, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux (50 talks with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll celebrates an interception with safety Xavier McKinney during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes with Jalyn Holmes (91) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talks with head coach Brian Daboll before a preseason NFL football game against New England Patriots on Thursday August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks quaterback Daniel Jones during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh before a pre-season football game against the New York Jets on Sunday August 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with defensive coordinator Don Martindale during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 9, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Evan Neal during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with safety Xavier McKinney (29) during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 9, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Evan Neal during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll pose for a photo with first round draft pick Kavon Thibodeaux during a press conference at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday April 30, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll signals touchdown during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants center Joe Feliciano (76) gets a hug from head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday April 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with General manager Joe Schoen and former Giant Jeff Feagles during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 1, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks with General manager Joe Schoen during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks with General manager Joe Schoen during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday July 29, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brain Daboll introduces Sam Prince to the team during Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 8, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps quaterback Daniel Jones (8) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Head Coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Joe Schoen, Michael Strahan and Brian Daboll talk after organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his players during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his players during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Michael Strahan during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) shakes hands with Brian Daboll after returning an interception during organized team activity at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday May 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with running back Saquon Barkley (26) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday April 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 7, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Evan Neal (70) talks with head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday July 28, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Darnay Holmes (30) during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday July 27, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
New York Giants Foundation Charity Golf Classic at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday May 31, 2022 in Summit, New Jersey
Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches from the sideline during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll congratulates Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) as he comes off the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Davis Webb (12) during an NFL pre-season football game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks off the field after their 31-27 loss to the New York Jets in an NFL pre-season football game, Sunday, Aug. 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J.. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, left, meets with quarterback Daniel Jones, right, during practice before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) runs off the field alongside head coach Brian Daboll, center right, after taking a hard hit from New York Jets defensive end Micheal Clemons (72) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, right, shakes hands with New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after an NFL football game Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 25-22. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines during practice before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll greets people on the field prior to an NFL football game between against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
FILE - New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen, left, and head coach Brian Daboll, right, attend a news conference before training camp at the NFL football team's practice facility July 27, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. For the third time since 2018, the Giants are rebuilding again. Schoen has replaced Dave Gettleman as general manager and Daboll was selected to replace Joe Judge as coach. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll works the sidelines in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll watches his team warm up before a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to reporters before a practice at the NFL football team's training facility in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) talk with head coach Brian Daboll during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll calls out to his players during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to tight end Daniel Bellinger during drills at the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, center, speaks with his first string defensive lineman during training camp at the NFL football team's practice facility, Saturday, July 30, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Giants offensive line coach Bobby Johnson talks with head coach Brian Daboll, left, during a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll speaks with reporters during a coaches press availability at the NFL owner's meeting, Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
FILE - Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll attends warmups before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jan. 23, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The New York Giants hired Daboll as their head coach Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll answers questions from media at the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, May 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll waits to take the stage to speak at an introductory news conference at the NFL football team's training facility, Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll introduces Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday October 2, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with Osi Umenyiora during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday August 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll shakes hands with New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) at practice in Ware, England before a game against the Green Bay Packers. Credit: Evan Pinkus/New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks to practice in England before a game against the Green Bay Packers Credit: Evan Pinkus/ New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll fist bumps Shea Tierney before a week 1 football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennesse (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 24, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll walks to practice in England before a game against the Green Bay Packers Credit: Evan Pinkus/ New York Giants
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a pre-season football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Leonard Williams (99)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Head Coach Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
HC Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Daniel Jones (8)
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Landon Collins (21), Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team following a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs General Manager Joe Schoen following a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday January 8, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll after beating the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll hugs New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Jeff Saturday
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday January 8, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants linebacker Jihad Ward (55) and safety Julian Love (20) dump Gatorade on New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL football game against the against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks to his team in the locker room following a NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday January 1, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll before a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones hug following a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll talks with general manager Joe Schoen before a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during a NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
The other finalists were Jacksonville's Doug Pederson and San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan.
When he was Buffalo's offensive coordinator in 2020, Daboll was voted the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year after the Bills finished 13-3 and unseated longtime powerhouse New England atop the division. Daboll is the first person to win both Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year.
Daboll, 47, is the first Giants coach to be selected Coach of the Year since Jim Fassel in 1997. Like Fassel, Daboll took over a team that was last in the NFC East the previous year and led it to the playoffs in his debut season.
Daboll took the team one step further by winning a postseason game.
"I think it's just a lot of people trying to do the job the best they can, seeking out some wins," Daboll said. "Obviously, the wins help. But it's really a collective effort. I know I'm the head coach, but there's a lot of people in our building, everybody in the building, that contributed to our success this year. And I'm very thankful for the people that I get to work with every day."
Daboll is the fifth Giants coach to be selected Coach of the Year since it was first awarded in 1957. Allie Sherman was honored in 1961 and 1962, Bill Parcells in 1986, Dan Reeves in 1993 and Fassel four years later.
Daboll was an NFL assistant coach for 21 years before the Giants gave him an opportunity to run his own program.
"I've been with seven different teams, I think," Daboll said. "I'd rather be playing down here (in Super Bowl LVII). It's a tremendous honor, but again, I appreciate our ownership, (general manager) Joe (Schoen), all the staff and most importantly the coaches and the players. You don't think about that when you take a job. You're thankful that you have an opportunity to lead a team and try to build a culture. That's what we try to do.
"There was a lot of good, and there was a lot of hardship. Again, I'm just thankful where my feet are right now and the opportunity that I have. We have a great organization with great ownership, general manager and support staff. Again, I'm just a piece. There's a lot of great people in our building. You wish you could give awards out to a lot of people because a lot of those people in the building deserve it a hell of a lot more than me."
The 2022 Giants finished 9-7-1 and qualified for the playoffs as a wild card team. It was the Giants' first winning season and first postseason berth since 2016. The Giants won just four games in 2021, the year prior to Daboll's arrival, and the five-game improvement is their largest in one season since they jumped from six victories in 2015 to 11 in 2016.
Daboll was considered the favorite to win the award because he took a team few outside the Giants' headquarters expected to succeed and led it to the playoffs. What were his expectations?
"Just to come in, work hard and try to get better every day," he said. "Each year is a new year. Next year will be a new year. I'm thankful that I got to be part of this team, along with everyone else in our building. And it was a special year. You wish you were continuing to play, but expectation-wise, just come in and work hard. We're going to have to redo it starting now and build a new team for the 2023 season."
The Giants defeated the Vikings in Minnesota in an NFC Wild Card Game, 31-24, for their first postseason victory since Super Bowl XLVI 11 years ago.
The Daboll difference was evident early in the season. The Giants had not won their season opener since 2016 and beginning that season through 2021 never won more than two of their first five games. In 2020 and 2021, they started 0-5 and then 0-3. But in their first game under Daboll, the Giants overcame a 13-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Titans in Tennessee, 21-20, on a touchdown and, after Daboll's gutsy decision, Saquon Barkley's two-point conversion reception with 1:06 remaining.
Daboll became the first Giants coach to win his debut with the team since Ben McAdoo in 2016. He was the first Giants coach to win five of his first six games since Reeves in 1993, and his 6-1 start was the best for a coach in his first Giants season since LeRoy Andrews was 6-0-1 in 1929.
In the first five weeks of the season, the Giants defeated Tennessee and Green Bay, the 2021 No. 1 playoff seeds in their respective conferences.
Daboll is the fifth coach in Giants history to lead the team to the playoffs in his debut season, joining Sherman (1961), Reeves (1993), Fassel (1997) and McAdoo (2016). Rookie coach Earl Potteiger led the Giants to the 1927 NFL championship in the era before playoffs.
Daboll was one of three first-year head coaches to lead his team to the postseason in 2022, joining Minnesota's Kevin O'Connell and Miami's Mike McDaniel. Daboll was the only one of the three to advance to the divisional round, and he did so with a Giants victory against O'Connell's Vikings.
Daboll was the first Giants coach to win his postseason debut since Reeves in 1993. He joined Jim Lee Howell, Ray Perkins, Parcells and Reeves as Giants coaches who were victorious in their first playoff game.
The Giants' season ended on Jan. 21 with a loss to NFC champion Philadelphia in a divisional playoff game.
Receiving the Coach of the Year award was not the only, or even the greatest, highlight of Daboll's evening. He also had the opportunity to re-connect with Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin, who has made a remarkable recovery since suffering cardiac arrest during a game in Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Hamlin delivered an emotional speech at NFL Honors with the medical staffs of the Bills and Bengals and physicians and nurses from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center standing behind him.
Daboll and Hamlin worked together in Buffalo in 2021.
"I just talked to him," Daboll said after taking the stage for his news conference. "I said, 'Hey man. Love you, buddy. So proud of you. And glad you're doing okay.'
"I thank God every day that he's supposedly healed. To come through something like that, tremendous young man. And he's come back here to talk to y'all, and I got to see him here in the back. So, that was a special moment."
