The New York Giants have one of the NFL’s worst defenses. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
The New York Giants fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, a league source told UPI on Monday.
Outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen will serve as the Giants’ interim defensive coodinator. Bowen held the role for two seasons.
The 2025 Giants allowed the third-most yards and points in the NFL through 12 weeks. They own the worst rush defense and rank 23rd against the pass.
Bowen’s Giants defense ranked 24th in yards allowed and 21st in points allowed last season, when they had the league’s No. 8 pass defense.
He previously worked as defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, who had one of the league’s top run defenses in 2021 and 2022.
The Giants (2-10) held a 27-17 lead over the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter Sunday in Detroit, but allowed their foes to tie the game and force overtime, ultimately leading to a 34-27 setback.
Bowen’s dismissal marks the latest major move in a busy month for the Giants, who fired coach Brian Daboll on Nov. 10. Interim coach Mike Kafka swapped third-string quarterback Jameis Winston and second-string passer Russell Wilson last week, leading to Winston starting during the last two weeks in place of injured starter Jaxson Dart.
Winston completed 18 of 36 passes for 366 yards, two scores and an interception against the Lions. He also caught a 33-yard touchdown pass.
The Giants will take a six-game losing streak into a Week 13 meeting with the New England Patriots. The Patriots (10-2) and Giants will kick off at 7:15 p.m. EST Dec. 1 in Foxborough, Mass.
