With the 2022-23 NFL season coming to a close, a couple of teams are showing interest in New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
The #Texans have joined the #Panthers in requesting to interview #Giants OC Mike Kafka, source said. He’s picking up steam in his first time in the cycle.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2023
Both the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers are lining Kafka up for an interview.
This comes after the Giants exceeded expectations and put together a playoff-caliber year.
On offense, the team took major steps forward.
This was especially clear with quarterback Daniel Jones, who put together the best season of his young career.
Standout Play Calling
Even with Head Coach Brian Daboll being known for his play calling in the past, the Giants opted to give Kafka reign over the offensive play calling this year.
It paid out well, as Kafka showcased himself as one of the league’s bright offensive minds.
With a lackluster receiving core, Kafka has been able to make the most out of his offensive attack.
He has relied on the legs of Jones, who rushed for a career-high of 708 yards and passed for a high of 3,205.
This has taken the pressure off Jones to be a pocket passer, who has thrived in this role.
Jones led the league in INT%, throwing just five total interceptions on the season.
Kafka also oversaw the resurgence of running back Saquon Barkley, who had his best season since tearing his ACL in 2020.
All of this together makes Kafka a very interesting head coach candidate.
Mike Kafka on Daniel Jones: 'I'm proud of what he's done'
Full video: https://t.co/SwqOwTSXko pic.twitter.com/Gx0gZEYwPJ
— GiantsTV (@GiantsTV) January 5, 2023
At just 35 years old, he is on the younger side.
Teams would need to be willing to take a chance, though both the Texans and Panthers can afford that.
Each of those teams will be looking to develop a QB and begin integrating them into their offense, as they will likely be trying to use their draft picks to get a franchise QB.
With that in mind, teams may see Kafka’s work in New York and hope to replicate that for their franchise.
