New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale indicated on Thursday he expects to remain with the organization this winter despite whispers claiming he and head coach Brian Daboll haven’t been on the same page throughout the 2023 season.
Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka went a different route while speaking about his future ahead of Sunday’s season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Really, my only focus is on today and this week and preparing our guys the best we can for Philadelphia,” Kafka answered when asked if he expected to remain with the Giants, per the club’s website. He used similar wording for a follow-up question.
Kafka emerged as an NFL and college head-coaching candidate after he helped the 2022 Giants earn a road playoff victory and before the club signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year contract that could be worth up to $160M. Jones and the offense regressed this fall before the 2019 first-round draft pick suffered a season-ending torn ACL on Nov. 5. Analysts such as CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso believe the Giants could use a high draft choice this spring to acquire Jones’ eventual replacement.
ESPN stats show that the Giants enter Week 18 ranked 30th in the NFL with an average of 271.6 offensive yards per contest and 30th with an average of 14.9 points scored per game.
Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reported earlier this week that Kafka could “be out of a job” because “several people in the organization said they would not be surprised if Daboll takes over the offensive play calling himself in 2024.” Jordan Raanan of ESPN then wrote that “there have been rumblings that Kafka could want out, as well.”
Kafka neither confirmed nor denied he wants to continue working under Daboll through the start of next season.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself as a coach,” Kafka insisted on Thursday, “but my focus has only really been on Philadelphia, today and this week.”
Kafka may have revealed plenty by saying little at all.
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