Sources: Giants Fire Defensive Coordinator

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- The New York Giants have fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, sources confirm to SSN. Bowen becomes the second casualty on the Giants this season, after Brian Daboll was fired two weeks ago.

The Giants' defense has been one of the worst units in the NFL this season, defined by repeated fourth-quarter collapses. Entering Week 13, New York ranks near the bottom of the league in nearly every major defensive metric:. They sit 29th in points allowed, 27th in total yards allowed, and 30th in opponent yards per play. Their inability to close out games has been especially costly — the Giants have surrendered an NFL-high 97 fourth-quarter points, including multiple blown leads in the final five minutes.

Opponents are completing over 70% of their passes against them in the fourth quarter, and New York ranks 31st in fourth-quarter EPA/play allowed, making them one of the league’s least efficient defenses when it matters most. Missed tackles, busted coverages, and a non-existent pass rush have all contributed to these late-game meltdowns.

Mike Kafka makes his first major change at the helm of the Giants, trying to salvage a 2-10 season.

The Giants will be elevating linebacker coach Charlie Bullen to be interim defensive coordinator. He learned under Vance Joseph and Matt Burke, two really strong defensive minds in today’s NFL. Working with them gave him a deep understanding of how to build adaptable, pressure-driven defenses. You can see their fingerprints all over his coaching style.

"My decision to make this move." Mike Kafka said Monday. "The results just weren't what we wanted them to be."