New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was considered a finalist for the Seattle Seahawks’ head coaching job after back-to-back interviews. However, the position ultimately went to Mike Macdonald.
Once Macdonald landed in Seattle, many saw that as a sign Kafka would remain with the Giants in 2024.
That much is likely true but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how Kafka wanted things to play out. There have been multiple reports that suggest his relationship with head coach Brian Daboll has deteriorated and that an unhappy Kafka wanted out of East Rutherford.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan also reported that Kafka might be open to a lateral move if it meant a fresh start elsewhere.
“Mike Kafka, the more I hear, the less likely it is — and I know he’s still there now — even if he doesn’t get a head coaching job, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants let him out and he ends up somewhere else anyway,” Raanan said. “He’s unhappy.”
That possibility arose on Saturday when the Seahawks, impressed by Kafka during his head coaching interviews, requested to interview him for their vacant offensive coordinator job. But the Giants blocked the request.
The Giants blocked Kafka from interviewing for the Seahawks OC position, source says. Team exercising its contractual right. Kafka clearly valued with Big Blue. https://t.co/Kn7K5meqc1
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 4, 2024
“Valued” might be a strong word. It’s unclear if Kafka will retain play-calling duties in 2024 after having them stripped multiple times this past season.
After firing special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and “parting ways” with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, it’s more likely the Giants want to keep Kafka around in order to maintain some level of stability. Daboll losing all three of his hand-picked coordinators — each of whom reportedly wanted out — would not have looked good from an optics standpoint.
Ultimately, the reports and speculation no longer matter. With all of the league’s head coaching vacancies filled, Kafka will remain with the Giants whether he likes it or not.
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