What has two thumbs, benched Abdul Carter for sleeping through team meetings, turned Jameis Winston into a star receiver, won the last two games of the season, subsequently wrecking their draft position, and still isn’t ready to turn in his Giants headset? Well, that would be Mike Kafka.
The New York Giants' interim head coach isn't going anywhere... at least, for now. If his post-season press conference was any indication, the offensive coordinator turned head honcho feels pretty comfortable in East Rutherford.
When speaking with the media about the open HC position, the 38-year-old made it very clear that he will keep his name in contention come interview time, telling reporters: "I do plan on interviewing [for the head coaching position]."
Say it with your chest, Mike. That certainly doesn't sound like someone who's going down without a fight.
Mike Kafka throws his hat in the ring for Giants' HC opening
The Giants need a capable head coach like a pizza needs crust. However, since Tom Coughlin was effectively fired in 2015, it's been anything but stable since. But that won't stop the former Northwestern quarterback's pursuit of the job he believes he’s earned.
In seven games on the headset, Kafka led the Giants to a 2-5 record while working well and helping develop rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. There are some serious drawbacks in converting him to full-time, the most glaring being that he's been here for four years, as a key part of the previous coaching staff during losing seasons -- it's fair to wonder if Big Blue wants a fresh start with someone else.
Secondly, Kaf is sure to face pretty steep competition -- albeit in a not-so-stellar candidate pool. Early reports suggest Mike McCarthy, Kevin Stefanski, Chris Shula, and Jeff Hafley are in the running, among others.
Related: Giants’ next coaching hire could pull fans in two very different directions
The hopeful coach was practically guaranteed to get an interview, much like former defensive coordinator turned interim coach Steve Spagnuolo did after he took over for Ben McAdoo. Spags ultimately didn't get the job, and New York pivoted to Pat Shurmur instead.
Kafka’s hoping for a different ending this time around. Was his work with Dart and the late-season surge enough to convince general manager Joe Schoen and Co. to bring him on full-time? Only time will tell. But one thing Giants fans know for sure: this is the most consequential hire the franchise has made in years. And they can’t afford to get it wrong.