NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY explained that “there was absolutely tension” between New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka that nearly resulted in him leaving the organization this winter.
“The idea there wasn’t is comical,” Hughes said. “…Kafka had his playcalling revoked at points last season — scapegoating him for the unit’s problems. He was open to leaving — maybe even more than that, I was told. The Giants prevented it. They were never going to let him leave for a lateral position.”
While it was suggested as far back as November that Daboll and then-New York defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale were having issues that led to him leaving the club in January, some were surprised to learn after Week 18 that Kafka could also have interest in joining a different team this offseason. The Giants parted ways with special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, among others, but Big Blue blocked the Seattle Seahawks from interviewing Kafka regarding their offensive coordinator role.
“Replacing all three coordinators in one offseason is a major undertaking when the preference is to not have Daboll call the plays,” Hughes continued. “Remember, too: There could be changes if things go poorly again this year. The Giants need as much continuity as they can to try to return to their 2022 play.”
The Giants recently confirmed that Kafka “will have assistant head coach duties added to his role as offensive coordinator.” According to Ryan Chichester of Audacy, Giants legend and current CBS Sports NFL analyst Tiki Barber said last week such a move could ultimately result in Kafka heading elsewhere as soon as next January.
“The promotion, or added job title, comes with a pay boost,” Hughes noted. “That’s commonplace in the NFL. A team prevents you from leaving but gives you extra money in response. To view that as a sign all is A-OK between the two in Giants land is silly.”
The Giants going 6-11 this past season coupled with whatever did and/or didn’t occur between Daboll and his coordinators over the past two years seemingly could cause team co-owner John Mara to clean house if New York produces a second straight losing campaign. Daboll’s 2023 squad simply didn’t win enough for the 48-year-old to allegedly showcase a “madman” demeanor on gamedays.
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