The Philadelphia Eagles' search for a new offensive coordinator just hit another snag. Mike Kafka, a name that had gained traction in recent days, is officially off the board.
Instead of heading to Philly, Kafka is joining Dan Campbell’s staff in Detroit in what’s being described as a “high-ranking offensive role.” While the Lions already have Drew Petzing installed as offensive coordinator and Mark Brunell handling quarterbacks, it’s clear they’re building out a deep and experienced offensive brain trust - and Kafka’s addition only strengthens that.
This marks the third candidate the Eagles have lost in the span of a day. LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and Bears tight ends coach Declan Doyle also withdrew from consideration on Monday, opting to stay put in their current roles. That’s a tough triple blow for a team looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish to the 2025 season.
Kafka’s connection to Philadelphia runs deep. Drafted in the fourth round out of Northwestern by Andy Reid and the Eagles in 2010, he suited up in green for two seasons.
Though his on-field action was limited - just four games, 11 completions, 107 yards, and a pair of picks - it was clear even then that Kafka had a sharp football mind. After bouncing around several NFL rosters without another snap, he pivoted to coaching.
His coaching roots trace back to Kansas City, where he rejoined Reid in 2017 as an offensive quality control coach. From there, his rise was steady: quarterbacks coach in 2018, then adding passing game coordinator duties by 2020. That Chiefs offense didn’t just light up scoreboards - it helped shape Kafka’s offensive philosophy.
In 2022, Brian Daboll tapped Kafka to be his offensive coordinator and assistant head coach with the Giants. And when Daboll was fired late in the 2025 season, Kafka stepped in as interim head coach. His leadership during that turbulent stretch earned him interviews around the league - including with the Eagles, who brought him in last week for their OC vacancy.
But now, with Kafka heading to Detroit, the Eagles are back to the drawing board. And he’s not the only one they’ve missed out on.
Mike McDaniel, the former Dolphins head coach, is now calling plays for the Chargers. Bobby Slowik, who had been Miami’s passing game coordinator, is returning to the Dolphins as offensive coordinator under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
And Zac Robinson, formerly with the Falcons, has landed in Tampa as Todd Bowles’ new OC.
So where does that leave Philadelphia? There are still some intriguing names in the mix.
Brian Daboll, Kafka’s former boss, is available. Matt Nagy, who once held the OC title in Kansas City, is another possibility.
Josh Grizzard, formerly Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, is on the radar. Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter, Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, and Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith also remain potential targets.
The Eagles are clearly casting a wide net - and they’ll need to. After watching their offense sputter down the stretch in 2025, the pressure is on to get this hire right.
It’s not just about X’s and O’s. It’s about finding someone who can maximize Jalen Hurts, reinvigorate a talented but underperforming unit, and help Philly reclaim its place among the NFC’s elite.
For now, though, the search continues - and the list of available candidates keeps getting shorter.