The Eagles’ search for an offensive coordinator just got a little narrower.
Mike Kafka - once a backup quarterback in Philadelphia and more recently the Giants’ offensive coordinator - is heading to Detroit. According to NFL Network, Kafka has accepted a prominent role on the Lions’ offensive staff, taking him off the board as a potential OC hire for the Eagles.
Kafka interviewed with the Eagles last week and brought an intriguing mix to the table: a relatively young coach with a résumé that includes both play-calling experience and tutelage under some of the league’s sharpest offensive minds. In terms of background and upside, he was arguably one of the more compelling candidates available.
After the Giants dismissed Brian Daboll in November, Kafka stepped in as interim head coach to close out the season. It was a turbulent stretch, no doubt, but Kafka’s stock around the league hasn’t dipped much - and that says something. Despite New York’s offensive woes over the past few seasons, he’s still viewed as one of the brighter offensive minds in the game, with many seeing him as a future head coach.
Eagles fans will remember Kafka from his playing days in midnight green. He served as a backup in 2010 and 2011, a short NFL career that quickly transitioned into coaching.
He linked up with Andy Reid in Kansas City, where he spent five seasons on staff - four of them as Patrick Mahomes’ quarterbacks coach. That’s a role that carries weight.
Working closely with Mahomes during his early rise gave Kafka a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic offensive evolutions in recent memory.
Kafka took over play-calling duties with the Giants in 2022 and held that role through 2025. The results on paper were a mixed bag: 18th in total offense in 2022, a drop to 29th in 2023, then a bounce-back to 13th this past season.
The inconsistency wasn’t all on Kafka. The Giants were plagued by offensive line issues and instability at quarterback - two things that can derail even the best-laid game plans.
That’s part of what made Kafka an intriguing fit for Philadelphia. With a more stable offensive line and a more complete roster, there was a belief he could flourish. But whether the Eagles never extended an offer or Kafka simply preferred the opportunity in Detroit, he’s now off the table.
What’s next for him? Detroit could be a springboard. The Lions are building something special, and if Kafka can help elevate that offense even further, he’ll be right back in the mix for coordinator or head coaching jobs next offseason.
As for the Eagles, the search continues. They’ll need to pivot quickly, with the offseason ramping up and a talented roster that’s built to win now. Whoever takes the reins as OC will inherit a high ceiling - and high expectations.