Mike Kafka has coached at both ends of the NFL’s offensive spectrum — from Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ fireworks to a Giants offense built to survive. That contrast is what makes his arrival in Detroit worth examining.
The Detroit Lions’ decision to add Mike Kafka to their offensive staff carries both a resume of success and a mix of unanswered questions about what he has accomplished as a coach in the NFL.
Kafka, 38, arrives in Detroit after three-and-a-half seasons as the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator and a late-season stint as interim head coach. His body of work includes developmental impact with one of the league’s premier franchises and mixed results leading an offense through a rebuild.
Chiefs foundation: development and elite quarterback play
Kafka’s NFL coaching career gained traction with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served in various offensive roles from 2017 through 2021. He joined the Chiefs as an offensive quality control coach, was quickly promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2018, and later added the title of passing game coordinator. During that period, Patrick Mahomes earned his first NFL Most Valuable Player award and led one of the league’s most explosive offenses, while Kansas City captured Super Bowl LIV.
The metrics in Kansas City underscore Kafka’s impact in a well-established system. The Chiefs ranked among the NFL’s top passing teams, finishing fourth in league passing yards per game in 2021 and leading in 2020. Mahomes posted multiple seasons with 4,500+ yards and 35+ touchdowns under Kafka’s guidance, with Reid and Mahomes publicly crediting Kafka for his role in quarterback development.
While serving under Andy Reid, Kafka operated within a scheme built on creativity, timing, and explosive play concepts. His responsibilities included game preparation, quarterback coaching, and helping tailor a high-octane pass attack suited for Mahomes’ strengths — an experience Lions offensive minds will likely value.
Giants transition: coordinating a rebuild
Kafka was hired by the Giants in 2022 as offensive coordinator, tasked with revitalizing a franchise that had endured several losing seasons. His first year in New York saw the Giants reach the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record, their first postseason berth in seven years. Kafka’s offense was efficient and disciplined, ranking among the NFL’s best in limiting interceptions and improving run production.
Under his guidance, the Giants’ offensive identity shifted toward balance. They finished 2025 with solid yards per game (13th) and strong rushing production (fifth in the league), even as quarterback play was inconsistent and personnel limitations persisted. Kafka also played a significant role in mentoring rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who put up respectable numbers in his first season.
The blend of West Coast concepts and pro-style execution helped stabilize New York’s attack, though critics noted that consistency was elusive and late-game execution uneven. His offenses showed flashes of creativity, yet questions remained about predictability and adjustments as the season progressed. Independent observers often cited his balanced run-pass charts but pointed to inconsistency in clutch moments as a limiting factor.
Interim head coaching stint and what it signals
Kafka’s tenure as interim head coach after Brian Daboll’s firing in November 2025 ended with a 2-5 record. While that performance did little to quell skepticism about his readiness for a permanent head coaching job, it did reflect his willingness to adapt — including a more aggressive run-oriented approach to suit the Giants’ roster.
Fit with Detroit: strategic value, undefined role
With the Lions, Kafka enters a revamped offensive leadership group under Dan Campbell and new coordinator Drew Petzing. Though his exact title remains unspecified, Kafka’s track record suggests Detroit is investing in his schematic understanding and developmental ability. His time with Reid, experience building a balanced offense in New York, and mentoring of young quarterbacks should add value in a staff looking to sustain offensive excellence.
In a league that prizes both innovation and adaptability, Kafka arrives with strong credentials as a developmental coach and a body of work that mixes elite pedigree with the challenges of leading a rebuilding offense.