The New York Giants search for a defensive coordinator has lasted nearly a month with no end in sight. As head coach Brian Daboll continues looking around the NFL for a new defensive play-caller, he reportedly might be in jeopardy of losing another top assistant.
New York parted ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale due to a strained relationship between the veteran assistant and Daboll. Since his dismissal, a majority of NFL teams have already filled their vacancies at defensive coordinator with some of the most highly-regarded defensive minds in the NFL now off the board.
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Already dealing with a prolonged coaching search, things might be on the verge of getting even worse for New York. Amid alarming rumors suggesting Daboll doesn’t have a favorable reputation around the league, it appears the Giants coaching staff could take another hit this offseason.
According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is a viable candidate to become the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2024.
Seattle Seahawks interested in New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka
Kafka previously interviewed with the Seahawks this offseason to discuss their head-coaching vacancy. He was believed to be a finalist for Seattle, but finished behind new head coach Mike Macdonald. While ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported on Feb. 1 that Kafka was expected to remain in New York, there is an open opportunity elsewhere for him.
Kafka, 36, has quickly been ascending up the NFL coaching ranks. A fourth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Kafka ended his playing career in 2015 and became a graduate assistant at Northwestern the following season. The following year, Andy Reid hired him as an offensive quality control coach for the Kansas City Chiefs.
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He became the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach in 2019, holding that role through the 2021 season and taking on additional responsibilities as passing game coordinator. Following the 2021 season, he was hired as the Giants’ offensive coordinator.
With Daboll calling plays for New York, Seattle would be offering Kafka a better opportunity for career advancement. He would be the Seahawks’ play-caller, orchestrating an offense with Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
If Kafka is hired as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, it would mean the Giants lost their offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators this offseason. For a coach who ended last season on the hot seat, Daboll would be under immediate pressure in 2024.
