The New Orleans Saints are still looking for their next head coach, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka appears to be a top candidate. A former journeyman quarterback, Kafka joined the coaching world with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 and followed head coach Brian Daboll to the New York Giants in 2022. After helping Daniel Jones break out and make the playoffs in 2022, New York’s offense has struggled with subpar talent over the past two seasons.
Despite the recent struggles brought on by poor quarterback play, Mike Kafka has received serious head coaching interest and has a second interview scheduled with the New Orleans Saints. While he isn’t as in demand as big-name coaches like Aaron Glenn and Liam Coen, two NFL legends believe Kafka is head coaching material. During recent interviews, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes sang praise for the former quarterback’s coach.
Mahomes, Reid Praise Mike Kafka Ahead of Saints Interview
Andy Reid originally selected Kafka in the 2010 NFL Draft during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, so it’s no surprise he also allowed him to make his way in the coaching world. Originally brought on to be an offensive quality control coach, Kafka worked his way up to becoming quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator by 2021.
“He’s a very intelligent, great human being,” Reid said. “The quarterback will love him. He’ll challenge him to be better than he even is now. But he’ll do a great job and challenge the team. The guys will respond. He played in the National Football League.”
Earning the praise of a coach is one thing, but a sizable part of the job is earning the players’ respect. Patrick Mahomes is one of the all-time greats, and he said he wouldn’t be the quarterback he is without Kafka’s help.
“Coach Kafka is a special person and a special coach…I spent a lot of hours with coach Kafka where he was teaching me the playbook and teaching me how to become a quarterback in the NFL. That continued for a long time,” Mahomes said. “I knew when he left here, he was going to be a head coach somewhere soon.”
Is He The Right Choice?
Ringing endorsements from two reigning Super Bowl champions is obviously impressive, but it doesn’t necessarily mean Mike Kafka is the right choice for the Saints. So, let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of the Giants offensive coordinator.
The biggest red flag is the lack of offensive success in New York. While nobody could turn an offense led by Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito into a unit rivaling the 2007 New England Patriots, an elite offensive mind could have elevated an offense with a great receiver in Malik Nabers and adequate supporting options in Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson.
As of this posting, old friend Aaron Glenn is still available, although that could change at any moment. New Orleans should aggressively pursue him as long as he’s looking for a job. However, if and when Glenn signs with the New York Jets, the Saints can pivot to either Mike Kafka or Mike McCarthy. While McCarthy is the safer choice, Kafka offers the promise of the unknown.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire – USA Today Sports
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