The Philadelphia Eagles are deep into their search for a new offensive coordinator, and they’ve now sat down with a familiar face: Mike Kafka. The former Eagles quarterback and current Giants interim head coach is officially in the mix, joining a list of intriguing candidates that includes some big names and rising minds.
Kafka’s interview with Philly adds another layer to what’s shaping up to be a wide-ranging search. The current list of contenders features former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, ex-Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Falcons OC Zac Robinson-who’s already interviewed-and Ole Miss OC Charlie Weis Jr., who is expected to meet with the team soon.
But Kafka’s connection to the Eagles runs deeper than most. Drafted by Philadelphia in the fourth round back in 2010, he spent time as a backup in the league with several teams, including the Patriots, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Vikings, Titans, and Bengals, before transitioning into coaching.
Since then, Kafka’s coaching résumé has taken a steady climb. He started at Northwestern as an offensive graduate assistant in 2016, then joined Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City the following year as an offensive quality control coach.
By 2018, he was coaching quarterbacks for the Chiefs, and in 2020, he took on the role of passing game coordinator as well. That’s a front-row seat to the Patrick Mahomes era, and it’s no surprise Kafka’s name has been circulating in coaching circles ever since.
In 2022, he took over as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, and despite the team’s ups and downs, his offense made strides. This past season, Kafka was promoted to assistant head coach and ultimately stepped in as interim head coach for the final seven games after Brian Daboll was let go. The Giants went 2-5 under his leadership, but the offense quietly put together a solid campaign-finishing 12th in total yards, 16th in points scored, and top-10 in both rushing and passing yards.
Kafka’s also been busy this offseason. He interviewed with the Buccaneers for their OC opening and with the Giants for their full-time head coaching job. His growing list of interviews speaks to how respected he’s become around the league, especially for his offensive acumen and leadership potential.
For the Eagles, bringing in Kafka would mean reuniting with a former player who’s developed under some of the best minds in the game. With Philly looking to reset offensively and maximize their talent, especially at quarterback, Kafka’s background in quarterback development and scheme versatility could be a strong match.
The Eagles are clearly casting a wide net, and with candidates ranging from seasoned play-callers to innovative college minds, they’re not rushing the process. But Kafka’s blend of familiarity, experience, and upside makes him a name to watch closely as the search continues.