What's going to end up happening with NY Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka this offseason? No one knows the answer to that question, as the Big Blue OC has been interviewing for head coach openings, while reports keep coming in that he's not happy in East Rutherford too.
The Giants offense was quite inconsistent this past campaign, playing a big role in the Giants finishing 6-11. However, Brian Daboll said that he anticipates Kafka returning next season. Again, though, that's up in the air and a recent report from Jordan Raanan saying that Kafka probably won't be back has a lot of people confused.
With all of that said, it looks like the Seattle Seahawks could be ready to lure the second-year OC out of New Jersey soon. According to insider Albert Breer, Kafka had his second interview with the Hawks on Wednesday. They'll bring in other candidates this week, including Dallas DC Dan Quinn, but Kafka is a name to watch to potentially replace Pete Carroll:
The Seahawks have Giants OC Mike Kafka in for a second interview today, source said. The second round of interviews started yesterday with Raiders DC Patrick Graham.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 24, 2024
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn goes tomorrow, Rams DC Raheem Morris is on Friday, and Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is Saturday.
Will Mike Kafka land a job offer from the Seattle Seahawks?
Per Breer, Kafka went first, while Quinn will meet with the front office on Thursday, followed by Raheem Morris and Ejiro Evero over the weekend. It's been a bit of a surprise that Kafka is getting HC looks after the rough year the Giants had, but it's clear Kafka is quite respected across the league.
The door certainly feels open for Kafka to make a lateral move and accept a new OC job as well, as things don't appear to be going too well for him with Daboll. This includes Coach Dabes taking away play-calling duties away from him multiple times this season. Kafka very well could return to the NFC East side in 2024, but Giants Nation should also get mentally ready for him to join a new team.
New Deonte Banks hype video will fire up Giants fans
In more of a positive for Big Blue supporters, how incredible was the rookie season for No. 24 overall pick Deonte Banks? The former Maryland standout proved to be a total playmaker for the Giants in 2023, as he got better with each passing week. Fans already can't wait to see what he can do next campaign. The excitement is only going to grow after watching a hype video the Giants just dropped:
NFL career off to a good start 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4jx6UVvKib
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 22, 2024
You can go ahead and admit you had a smile on your face after watching that clip. Banks, who is planning to switch to No. 3 now that Sterling Shepard won't be back with the Giants, finished the season with 64 total tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions. He locked down some true studs, which was great to see out of the first-year DB.
What makes Banks so fun to watch too is that he plays the game with so much confidence and swagger. He goes into each play thinking he's going to shut an opposing receiver down. With his fantastic speed and hands, the future is bright for him. We'll have to wait and see who the Giants hire as his new defensive coordinator, but a big 2024 should be on the way for him regardless.
Wink Martindale linked with the Eagles and Packers
Back to coaching, could Wink Martindale stay in the division? Shortly after it was announced that Sean Desai had been fired as Eagles defensive coordinator, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Eagles had been in contact with Martindale about the opening. No interview has been set, but that could change soon.
Martindale previously interviewed with the Jaguars, but Jacksonville hired former Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen. Now, though, another opening has popped up and Martindale will be someone to watch - we're talking about the Green Bay Packers DC spot. On Wednesday morning, breaking news dropped that Matt LaFleur had decided to part ways with Joe Barry, a move that was expected.
A change in Green Bay: Joe Barry will not return as the #Packers’ defensive coordinator, per sources. pic.twitter.com/XDPyrUC0wC
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2024
With LaFleur and Co. in need of a new defensive leader, a quick look on social media shows that Packers fans are hoping Martindale gets himself an interview over in Wisconsin. Things could not have ended worse for Martindale with the Giants, but no one can question his abilities as a DC - he's a defensive genius. It remains to be seen if Green Bay will give him a call, but he could make sense for such a young and exciting team.