Mike Kafka is still in place as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, but his duties this offseason have not included play-calling responsibilities. That appears set to continue into the regular season.
Head coach Brian Daboll confirmed in the lead-up to New York’s preseason finale against the Jets he will call plays on Saturday. He added (via Dan Salomone of the team’s website) that things are “moving in that direction” with respect to maintaining those duties come Week 1. That update comes as little surprise given the way the spring and summer have trended for the Giants.
Kafka has generally served as play-caller during his two-year New York stint, but signs have been pointing to Daboll taking over in 2024. The latter’s head coaching candidacy was built in large part on his success as a play-calling offensive coordinator with the Bills, so it was a surprise when he deferred to Kafka in 2022. The Giants’ staff is one facing several questions related to job security, however, and Daboll called plays at OTAs and minicamp in addition to his training camp and preseason workload.
The 49-year-old – along with general manager Joe Schoen – has the backing of ownership with respect to relying on quarterback Daniel Jones for at least one more season. Daboll’s position (not to mention that of Schoen and Jones) will become tenuous in the event New York’s offense suffers a repeat of 2023. The Giants looked into trading up for a Day quarterback in this year’s draft, an indication of what is at stake for all parties involved over the coming months.
Kafka drew head coaching interest in the 2023 offseason after his success with Jones and Co. After the past campaign, the 37-year-old was on the radar of the Seahawks and Titans, taking interviews with both teams. The Giants were unable by rule to block him from taking part in that process, but they did prevent him from interviewing for Seattle’s offensive coordinator gig. The former Chiefs staffer enters 2024 with the title of assistant head coach.
In spite of that symbolic promotion, it is all-but assured Daboll will lead the way on offense this season. The Giants’ defense – which will be led by Shane Bowen after Daboll’s well-documented split with Don Martindale – will face high expectations in 2024, but their offensive output will be interesting to watch with the head coach at the helm.
