Kafka, a former quarterback, spent five seasons in the NFL before shifting to the coaching ranks. After playing under Andy Reid as a player in Philadelphia, Kafka joined Reid’s coaching staff in Kansas City in 2017. After five seasons with the Chiefs, Brian Daboll hired him to be his OC in New York, and halfway through the 2025 season, Kafka took over interim head coaching duties following Daboll’s firing.
After taking over as the Giants’ interim coach, Kafka dialed up the aggression on offense, reemphasized a focus on the run game, and the team played inspired ball the remainder of the season. Based on how he coached the Giants in the back half of the season, it appears several of his coaching values align with Campbell’s principles: run-heavy, aggressive concepts with aggression in key moments that create opportunities to win the game.
I broke down the Giants’ scheme after the promotion of Kafka, ahead of their matchup with the Lions, which highlights some traits that would make Kafka appealing to Detroit.
