The Detroit Lions are continuing to make bold, calculated moves this offseason, and their latest hire adds another sharp offensive mind to the mix. Former Giants offensive coordinator and interim head coach Mike Kafka is joining Detroit in a high-ranking offensive staff role, per multiple league sources.
This is a notable get for the Lions. Kafka was one of the more in-demand coaching candidates this cycle.
He interviewed for several prominent positions, including Detroit’s offensive coordinator job - which ultimately went to Drew Petzing - as well as the Giants’ head coaching vacancy and the Eagles’ offensive coordinator post. That kind of attention speaks volumes about how Kafka is viewed around the league: a young, innovative coach with a rising profile and a résumé that’s starting to turn heads.
Let’s take a step back and look at the path that brought Kafka here. A former NFL quarterback, Kafka played under Andy Reid in Philadelphia before transitioning to coaching - and it’s no surprise that Reid brought him into the fold in Kansas City in 2017.
Kafka spent five seasons with the Chiefs, learning the intricacies of one of the league’s most advanced offenses and working closely with Patrick Mahomes during his early development. That’s the kind of experience that doesn’t just look good on a résumé - it shapes how a coach sees the game.
In 2022, Kafka made the jump to offensive coordinator with the New York Giants under Brian Daboll. And when Daboll was dismissed midway through the 2025 season, Kafka stepped in as interim head coach. That’s when things got interesting.
Under Kafka’s leadership, the Giants’ offense took on a new identity. He didn’t waste time trying to play it safe - instead, he leaned into an aggressive, run-first approach that energized the team.
The play-calling was bold, the tempo picked up, and the team responded. While the Giants didn’t suddenly become world-beaters, they played with a renewed sense of purpose and physicality, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
That mindset - aggressive, run-heavy, and willing to take calculated risks - sounds like it would fit right in with Dan Campbell’s philosophy in Detroit. Campbell has built a culture around toughness, resilience, and winning at the line of scrimmage.
Kafka’s recent work with the Giants suggests he shares those values. His schemes emphasized downhill running, misdirection, and timely shots downfield - all staples of the kind of offense the Lions want to run.
While Detroit hasn’t officially defined Kafka’s role just yet, it’s clear this isn’t a token hire. This is about adding another high-level thinker to a staff that’s already shown it can develop talent and put points on the board.
Kafka brings fresh perspective, play-calling experience, and a track record of adapting quickly under pressure. And with Petzing now installed as OC, the Lions are setting up a collaborative offensive brain trust that could be one of the most creative in the league.
Bottom line: Detroit didn’t just add another coach - they added a proven offensive architect who’s already shown he can lead, innovate, and get results. For a team that’s already knocking on the door of the NFL’s elite, this move could be another step toward staying there.