Giants Still Expecting Mike Kafka's Return
As the New York Giants continue with the business of reshaping a coaching staff and roster that vastly underachieved in 2023, one move that many anticipate might happen but which, as of now, isn't on the to-do list is replacing offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Kafka, who just finished his second season as the team's offensive coordinator, has been at the center of a report by ESPN that cites his unhappiness of being in the organization.
However, Kafka, who reportedly has one more year on his contract, right now looks like he would only leave the organization if he gets a head coaching job, something he's already been considered for by two teams this off-season.
The New York Post reiterated what Daboll told reporters at his year-end press conference, that the expectation was for Kafka, who will be the head coach of the West team at the Shrine Bowl, to return.
The Giants have no intention of moving on from Kafka. If he gets a head coaching gig, of course he will depart. It will be interesting to see what happens if there is outside interest in hiring Kafka as an offensive coordinator and if Kafka is piqued by that interest.
While Daboll also said the same thing about defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's return, the statement about both coordinators was made before he spoke with either man.
Martindale, as he is known by now, stormed out of the team's facility following his explosive meeting with Daboll in which he was informed that the head coach planned to dismiss Drew and Kevin Wilkins, two of Martindale's most trusted assistants.
Martindale has since resigned from his position. Kafka, who reportedly had the play calling taken away from him at varying points in the season, appeared to have had a more civilized and low-key meeting with Daboll as he currently remains on staff.
However, there have been other reports that Kafka could look to take a lateral move with another team if he doesn't get a head coaching job and that the Giants would not block such a move if he were to request it.
"That’s something I talk with those guys about--Joe and I talk about it," Daboll said when asked if he would let any of his assistant coaches leave for another opportunity despite still being under contract. "Every situation is different."
For now, all is quiet on the coaching front for the Giants, who continue to consider candidates to replace Martindale and who, if the Post's report is correct, are prepared to run it back with Kafka as their offensive coordinator assuming he's still on board with that.
But what wasn't said--and Daboll himself left the door open for this possibility at his year-end press conference--is if Kafka does return, will he remain the team's playcaller?
"Those are conversations we’ll have here over the next few months of what direction we’ll go and we’ll make those decisions as we do a full evaluation," he said.
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