Saints Interview Giants’ Mike Kafka for Head Coaching Role

The New Orleans Saints have completed a virtual interview with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka for their head coaching vacancy, the team announced Thursday. Kafka is the second known candidate to interview for the position, following Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Kafka’s candidacy may seem surprising given the Giants’ recent struggles, including a 3-14 record this season and one of the league’s least productive offenses. However, Kafka has previously drawn head coaching interest, interviewing with at least four teams in 2023 and receiving second interviews with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans after the Giants made the playoffs.

Before the 2024 season, Kafka also interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans but was ultimately passed over. This year, he was reportedly set to interview with the Chicago Bears in addition to the Saints.

A former journeyman quarterback, Kafka has risen through the coaching ranks, spending years under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined the Giants in 2022 as offensive coordinator under head coach Brian Daboll. Although Kafka had play-calling duties stripped in 2023, he was promoted to assistant head coach in 2024 after the Giants blocked him from interviewing for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator role.

Other candidates for the Saints’ head coaching position include Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, and interim coach Darren Rizzi.