John Harbaugh has taken on a significant role with the New York Giants, not only as the new head coach but also in a capacity that resembles a de facto general manager. While Joe Schoen retains his title as GM, Harbaugh is implementing substantial changes within the team’s front office.
The most recent development in this restructuring is the hiring of NFL executive Dawn Aponte as the senior vice president of football operations, as reported by ESPN. Aponte steps in following the departure of Kevin Abrams, who previously held the same position for many years and served as the assistant GM from 2002 to 2021.
Aponte brings a wealth of experience to the Giants, having served as the NFL’s chief administrator of football operations since 2017, where she worked closely with Commissioner Roger Goodell. Her prior roles include significant positions within the Miami Dolphins from 2010 to 2016 and with the Cleveland Browns for a year. Notably, she has a history with Schoen from their shared time in Miami, where he was a scout and front office executive.
With Aponte’s addition, the Giants are expected to align their operations more closely with Harbaugh’s vision for the team’s future. Her impressive background includes roles like vice president of labor finance for the NFL from 2006 to 2008, and she also built her career at the New York Jets from 1994 to 2005 under influential figures like Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.
As the Giants continue their transformation under Harbaugh’s leadership, Aponte’s expertise could be instrumental in building a competitive team. Her hiring signals a commitment to modernizing the front office and enhancing the decision-making process, offering hope to fans as the organization sets its sights on success in the upcoming seasons.