Mike Kafka's Audition: Can the Interim Tag Become Permanent in New York?
When the New York Giants made the bold decision to part ways with head coach Brian Daboll on November 10, the move signaled more than just a midseason shakeup - it cracked open a door of opportunity. Stepping through it was offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who was handed the interim head coaching reins. Alongside that, general manager Joe Schoen was officially tasked with leading the search for the team’s next full-time head coach.
Now, with two games under his belt and a 2-10 record staring back at him, Kafka’s shot at the job might seem like a long one on paper. But inside the Giants’ building, there’s a growing sense that this isn’t just a placeholder assignment - it’s a real audition. And ownership appears to be quietly rooting for Kafka to make his case before the season wraps.
A Real Shot for Kafka?
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, the Giants are giving Kafka "a real run at the job." And that’s not just lip service. Despite back-to-back losses under his watch, Kafka has shown flashes of what he can bring to the table - especially in terms of balancing play-calling duties while managing the broader responsibilities of a head coach.
In his first two games as interim, Kafka’s offense put up 517 yards and 27 points against Detroit, then followed that with 336 yards and 20 points against a tough Green Bay defense - all without rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart under center. That’s no small feat, especially for a team that’s struggled to find rhythm all season.
The Dart Factor
There’s a clear connection between Kafka and Dart, the quarterback the Giants selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That pairing could be key to the franchise’s future - and it’s something the front office is likely weighing heavily.
Continuity matters, especially when developing a young quarterback. If Kafka can build a rapport with Dart and get the offense trending in the right direction, that could be a major point in his favor when decision time comes.
But that same potential could also attract some big-name head coaching candidates in the offseason. Dart’s upside is real, and there’s no doubt other coaches around the league will see the Giants’ situation as a chance to mold a franchise quarterback from the ground up.
Dart, who missed Kafka’s first two games while in concussion protocol, is expected to return to the starting lineup this week against the 10-2 New England Patriots. That matchup - in primetime on Monday Night Football - could be a pivotal moment for both Kafka and the rookie QB.
Defensive Reset
One of Kafka’s first major moves as interim head coach was firing defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. The Giants had blown double-digit leads five times in their first 12 games - a stat that speaks volumes about the defense’s struggles. While the move won’t magically fix the team’s personnel issues on that side of the ball, it could spark a shift in energy and accountability, especially among players who may not have fully bought into Bowen’s system.
Schoen’s Shortlist
Behind the scenes, GM Joe Schoen is already working through a list of potential head coaching candidates - reportedly narrowed down to about 10 names. It’s a list he’s been curating over the years, based on advice from mentors who believe every good GM should always have one ready. That doesn’t mean the Giants won’t expand the search, but it does suggest they’re not planning to cast an overly wide net.
Kafka is on that shortlist. And while his candidacy might’ve started as a contingency plan, he’s got a real chance to climb the ranks - especially if he can guide this team to a few wins down the stretch.
Schoen’s Future Still Uncertain
One wrinkle in all of this: Schoen’s own job security isn’t guaranteed. His rosters have gone 11-35 since the start of the 2023 season, and with the Giants already eliminated from playoff contention, questions about his long-term role are fair game. Whether he’s the one ultimately making the final call on the next head coach remains to be seen.
Monday Night Spotlight
As of Monday afternoon, the Giants were listed as 7.5-point underdogs against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. But if Kafka can rally his team and pull off an upset, it could be the kind of signature moment that starts to shift the narrative - both for his candidacy and for a franchise desperately searching for direction.
This isn’t just about salvaging a lost season. It’s about planting seeds for what comes next. And for Mike Kafka, that next chapter might just begin under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.