Kafka a serious candidate for New Orleans job
The New York Giants could be on the verge of losing offensive coordinator/assistant head coach MIke Kafka. The New Orleans Saints are reportedly flying Kafka in on Monday for a second interview for the vacant head-coaching job, per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Kafka, offensive coordinator for the Giants since 2022, interviewed virtually with the Saints and Chicago Bears last week.
Kafka has had interviews for head-coaching jobs in each of the last three offseasons. Last offseason, he had two interviews with the Seattle Seahawks for their vacancy, and one with the Tennessee Titans. After the 2022 season, he interviewed for openings with the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals.
Despite the Giants’ struggles on offense the past two seasons Kafka, a 37-year-old former NFL quarterback who came to the Giants after working for Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, is the kind of bright young offensive-minded coach many teams seem to be seeking.
The Giants’ offense, even with Kafka calling plays in 2022 and 2023, has largely been head coach Brian Daboll’s scheme. This past season Daboll stripped Kafka of play-calling duties. The Giants finished 31st in the league in scoring which, oddly, may help Kafka build a case for himself as a head coach.
Giants co-owner John Mara recently questioned whether Daboll should continue as the offensive play-caller. If Kafka gets the Saints job, perhaps Daboll would promote quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney, who has been with him at Alabama, Buffalo and now with the Giants, to offensive coordinator.
