After missing the postseason altogether, Dan Campbell is modifying his coaching staff with the Detroit Lions. Campbell has already hired a new offensive coordinator. But that’s not all. Now, the Lions have brought in even more help for the offense.
On Monday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Lions have hired former NFL quarterback Mike Kafka to the coaching staff as a “high-ranking offensive assistant.” Though his official title has not yet been revealed.
Kafka has been a rapid riser up the coaching ranks since his NFL playing career ended after the 2015 season. He began as a graduate assistant with Northwestern in 2016. A year later, Kafka landed a job with the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive quality control coach.
In 2018, Kafka was promoted to quarterbacks coach, a position he held through 2019. In 2020, the Chiefs added the title of passing game coordinator to Kafka’s duties. He held that role for two seasons too.
As for Detroit, it’s a good landing spot for the former NFL QB who spent the past four seasons as the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator. While Kafka ended the season as New York’s interim head coach, John Harbaugh has since landed the job on a full-time basis.
If the Lions’ offense can bounce back, Kafka, 38, is a good bet to receive a promotion next offseason. Whether that is with Detroit or with another organization remains to be seen, but first, he has to excel in his new position.
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