Giants Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka Draws Interest for Arizona's Head Coaching Job
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been requested by the Arizona Cardinals to interview for their head coaching vacancy.
The Cardinals, who fired Kliff Kingsbury, are the fourth team linked to the 35-year-old former quarterback. The Panthers (who hired Frank Reich), Colts, and Texans (believed to be zeroing in on 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans) are the three other teams that requested permission to speak with Kafka regarding their vacancies.
Kafka completed his first season as an NFL coordinator/play caller for the Giants. Kafka, along with head coach Brian Daboll and the rest of the offensive assistants, designed and implemented a more modern offensive system that brought out the best in several players, including quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.
The system also helped receivers Richie James, Darius Slayton, and Isaiah Hodgins have career seasons.
Under Kafka's play-calling prowess, the Giants offense improved significantly from a year ago, finishing 18th in total average yards per game (up from 31st), fourth in rushing (up from 24th), 26th in passing (up from 31st), tied for seventh in average first downs per game (up from 31st), 11th in time of possession (up from 27th) and seventh in the red zone (up from 32nd).
Kafka isn't the only member of Daboll's staff being sought for a potentially bigger role. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has had two interviews with the Colts regarding their head coaching vacancy. And quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney was requested by the Bucs to interview for their offensive coordinator position.
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