The Kansas City Chiefs might’ve been hoping for a full-circle moment with some familiar faces on Andy Reid’s staff, but one potential reunion is officially off the table. Mike Kafka, once a rising star in Kansas City’s coaching pipeline, is heading in a different direction - and it's a bold one.
Kafka has accepted a high-ranking offensive role with the Detroit Lions, joining Dan Campbell’s staff in what’s shaping up to be a significant overhaul on the offensive side of the ball. He’ll work alongside newly named offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, as the Lions look to reset after parting ways with John Morton following a disappointing one-year stint that ended in Week 18.
Now, Kafka landing in Detroit might raise a few eyebrows. After all, with Petzing already in place as OC, it’s not immediately clear how the responsibilities will be divided.
But zoom out a bit, and it starts to make more sense. The Lions have a strong offensive core, and there’s speculation that wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery could be on the move - the Ravens have already lined up an interview with him for their offensive coordinator job.
Detroit may simply be getting ahead of the curve, ensuring they have experienced minds in the building before any more chairs get shuffled.
As for Kafka, this move adds another intriguing chapter to a coaching journey that’s been anything but linear.
He most recently served as the interim head coach of the New York Giants, stepping in after Brian Daboll was dismissed following a 2-8 start to the 2025 season. Kafka got a look for the full-time gig but ultimately lost out to John Harbaugh, who became available after his long tenure in Baltimore came to an end. That hiring left Kafka looking for his next opportunity - and Detroit came calling.
Kafka’s name has been on the league’s radar for a while now. Back in 2020, he started gaining traction as one of the more promising young offensive minds in the game.
He spent five seasons with the Chiefs, working his way up from an assistant role to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. That stint helped launch him into the offensive coordinator job with the Giants under Daboll.
Over the past few hiring cycles, Kafka has been in the mix for several head coaching jobs. The Bears gave him a look before opting for Ben Johnson.
The Panthers and Texans also showed interest in previous years. And with some interim head coaching experience now under his belt, it feels like only a matter of time before he gets a full-time shot.
Back in Kansas City, there had been some buzz about Kafka potentially returning, especially with Matt Nagy expected to move on after three seasons as offensive coordinator. But the Chiefs pivoted, bringing back Eric Bieniemy - a familiar and respected presence - while also adding Chad O’Shea from the Browns as wide receivers coach, injecting some fresh perspective into the mix.
Andy Reid’s staff isn’t fully set just yet - there’s still a vacancy at running backs coach - but the door is now closed on a Kafka reunion. Instead, he’ll be part of a Lions staff looking to retool and reload, and if history is any indication, Kafka’s presence could be a catalyst for something bigger down the road.
For now, the Chiefs will move forward without one of their former protégés, while Kafka takes on a new challenge in Detroit, continuing a coaching rise that’s been steady, strategic, and far from over.