Why did the New York Giants fire head coach Brian Daboll? There is a micro numerical reason, and there is a macro numerical reason.

The former: This year’s Giants have twice blown double-digit leads with under four minutes remaining and are just the second team in the Super Bowl era to do that. They’ve held double-digit leads in a total of six games that ended in losses.

The latter: For the third straight year, New York has started the season 2-8. Daboll’s record across 2023 and 2024 was 9-25. His record since 2024 is 5-22, and it is 11-33 over the past three seasons.

Again, that is historically bad. So, what comes next? A Giants legend and a Giants insider are weighing in with their thoughts shared exclusively with EssentiallySports.

Bill Belichick would like to come home. … though iconic Giants star Carl Banks tells EssentiallySports in an exclusive visit that he views that move as “not likely.’’ Banks is on record as believing that Belichick, now at the University of North Carolina, will focus on college football.

“Won’t be back in the NFL. However, he will develop kids at the college level.’’

Banks, the two-time Super Bowl winner and member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, who, via his media work, maintains a powerful voice in New York sports. He was mentored by Belichick during those halcyon days. Bill Parcells was the head coach, Belichick was the defensive coordinator, and Banks joined the incomparable Lawrence Taylor as foundational bookends.

Long-time NFL insider Gary Myers, however, notes that Belichick still harbors one NFL dream.

“Bill still loves the Giants. It’s a dream move. He’d walk from Chapel Hill to East Rutherford if that job was offered.’’ He said. “As much as I can make the case that Bill, if he’d give up personnel control, would be perfect for the job – he gets teary-eyed at the romantic thought of it – let me put it this way: There’s a much better chance of him wanting this than of the Giants wanting him.’’

Myers, who recently authored the book “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate,” told this exclusively to EssentiallySports. He also noted that Belichick’s high-profile girlfriend and assistant, 24-year-old ex-cheerleader Jordon Hudson, would be an obstacle here.

“This is a traditional and conservative franchise,’’ Myers says. “They wouldn’t care about his personal life. But coaches don’t have their girlfriends on the sideline carrying a clipboard and giving advice.’’

And as for other rumors? Banks wrote,

“I am willing to bet that Mike (Steelers coach Tomlin) wants nothing to do with this crazy NY market.’’ And that he would endorse Ohio State assistant Matt Patricia as a Giants coach in some capacity.

On Mike Kafka, he said,

“[Kafka] is in a live audition. I don’t have an opinion other than to wish him well.’’

Even if Mike fares well here, he will have competition. Some proven guys are waiting for another chance, like ex-Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinators Lou Anarumo (Colts), Brian Flores (Vikings), Vance Joseph (Broncos), Robert Saleh (49ers), and Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs).

Other hot names could include defensive coordinators like the Packers’ Jeff Hafley, the Chargers’ Jesse Minter, and the Rams’ Chris Shula. Offensive coordinators gaining steam include the Seahawks’ Clint Kubiak, the Bucs’ Josh Grizzard, and the Chiefs’ Matt Nagy.

Oh, and we’ll include college standouts Bret Bielema (Illinois), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), and Steve Sarkisian (Texas) on the list as well.

The plugged-in Myers cites,

“A source who knows the Giants well, who suggests that McCarthy (“He knows how to win’’), Patricia (“Still one of the best coordinators but a bad head coach’’), and Charlie Weis Jr. (He was Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart’s coordinator at Ole Miss)” are the top names.

And in the end? Belichick, it seems, is more an “interesting name’’ than a “top’’ one.