Mike Kafka’s most promising path back to Kansas City just hit a wall.
With the Chiefs bringing Eric Bieniemy back into the fold as offensive coordinator, the door that once looked wide open for Kafka to return to the franchise where he cut his teeth has now firmly closed. That’s a significant development for the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator and 2025 interim head coach, who’s been navigating a rapidly shifting coaching carousel this offseason.
Kafka spent five years under Andy Reid in Kansas City, learning the nuances of one of the NFL’s most consistently dangerous offenses. When he joined Brian Daboll’s staff in New York in 2022, it was seen as a step forward-a chance to call plays and prove himself as a top-tier offensive mind. Fast forward to now, and with the Giants undergoing a major regime change, Kafka’s future in New York looks anything but certain.
John Harbaugh, the newly appointed head coach of the Giants, is expected to bring in his own people-and that likely doesn’t include Kafka. All signs point to former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the frontrunner for the Giants’ OC job.
Monken, who worked under Harbaugh in Baltimore, brings a system and philosophy that already aligns with the new head coach’s preferences. That makes Kafka the odd man out.
And while the Chiefs’ OC spot seemed like a natural reunion-Kafka knows the system, the staff, and the expectations-Bieniemy’s return changes the equation. After a one-year stint as the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach in 2025, Bieniemy is back in Kansas City, where he previously spent a decade, including five years as the offensive coordinator. His reappointment signals the Chiefs’ desire for continuity and familiarity as they look to extend their offensive dominance.
With that opportunity gone, Kafka is now in full search mode. He’s already interviewed for offensive coordinator roles with the Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All three teams are in various stages of reshaping their offensive identities, and Kafka’s experience-particularly his ability to develop quarterbacks and scheme creative passing attacks-makes him a compelling candidate.
But the timing is tricky. As more coaching vacancies are filled, the window narrows. Kafka is still a respected name in league circles, but without a clear landing spot, his next move will need to be both strategic and swift.
For now, the coaching carousel keeps spinning. Kafka’s options are fewer than they were a week ago, but in a league where offensive innovation is always in demand, he’s far from out of the picture.