It sure looks like NY Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka won’t be going anywhere. The first-year OC had been linked with both the Colts and Cardinals head coaching jobs, but just like Wink Martindale, Kafka won’t be getting an offer to run his own show.
Last week, Kafka and Martindale were informed that they wouldn’t be hired by Indianapolis. That locked in Martindale returning as defensive coordinator for Brian Daboll. From that moment, people were waiting to see what would happen with Kafka.
Despite Arizona showing strong interest, ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss is now reporting that the Cards are focusing on Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon and Bengals DC Lou Anarumo.
Adding to this: a source told me that the Cardinals have focused their head coaching search on Gannon and Bengals DC Lou Anarumo.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) February 13, 2023
The source also said Arizona could make a decision tonight. https://t.co/XpYCC27fL0
Mike Kafka expected to return as NY Giants offensive coordinator
Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen likely had some plans in place if Kafka were to leave town, but luckily, they won’t have to worry about that now. Instead, Schoen, Daboll and the rest of the Giants staff/front office can focus on the additions this team needs to make during the offseason, plus the new deals for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
Kafka returning in 2023 to work closely with Jones will be great to see. While Kafka drove people insane sometimes with his play-calling, he also opened things up quite a bit for Jones. The way he allowed Danny Dimes to take off and run for some strong gains was something the Big Blue faithful weren’t used to.
On the year, Jones tossed for more than 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, but the 700+ rushing yards and seven scores turned heads. We can only assume Jones will be ready to take off even more under Kafka’s direction come next fall. Kafka is a rising coach and he’ll surely get more head coach looks down the road.
For now, he’s going to have to focus on helping the Giants offense improve next season. We’re confident he’ll be able to get that job done for Daboll and Co.
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