Mike Kafka joining Lions staff after failed stint as Giants’ interim coach

Former Giants interim head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is joining the Lions coaching staff. 

Kafka will be in a “high-ranking offensive staff role,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Monday.

It wasn’t immediately clear what that position would be in Detroit, but he’ll join head coach Dan Campbell’s staff after the Lions went 9-8 this year and missed out on the playoffs after back-to-back seasons making the postseason. 

Interim head coach Mike Kafka of the Giants looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 28, 2025 Getty Images

Kafka spoke with the Eagles about their vacant OC position recently.

Kafka’s name was mentioned in previous head coach cycles since he joined the Giants in 2022 after being hired away from the Chiefs. 

He took over as interim head coach after Brian Daboll was fired by the Giants in November and led Big Blue to a 2-5 record. 

Kafka did interview for the Giants’ head coaching job, but they ultimately decided to hire former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. 

Quarterback Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants speaks with head coach Mike Kafka on the side during the fourth quarter of the Giants and Washington Commanders game in East Rutherford, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Kafka called the Giants’ offensive plays in 2022, ’23 and ’25. 

The Lions moved on from offensive coordinator John Morton after the 2025 season. 

Detroit recently hired Drew Petzing as its offensive coordinator. 

News about Kafka came on the same day the Lions reached a new agreement to retain safeties coach Jim O’Neil, after he interviewed for the open Jets defensive coordinator job earlier this month.