New York source reveals the purpose of Mike Kafka’s Giants interim head coaching stint

The New York Giants made the popular and long-overdue decision to fire head coach Brian Daboll on Monday, and they took no time naming offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as his interim replacement.

While rumors are flying every which way about who the Giants’ next big-name hire could be, SNY’s Conor Hughes revealed his sources believe this could be a test for Kafka to earn the full-time head coaching gig.

“The Giants view this as a test for Mike Kafka. They want to see how his leadership radiates through rest of staff & to players. It’s among reasons no other staff changes are expected at this time, per sources,” Hughes wrote on X.

“This does not mean DC Shane Bowen is safe the rest of the season, but changes to staff will be Kafka’s call moving forward.

“The former QB is highly regarded around NFL. Interviewed for multiple HC openings, coveted as an OC, too, but Giants blocked all lateral moves.”

Kafka helped Jaxson Dart develop into a quick learner under center, giving the 38-year-old former NFL journeyman quarterback a leg up in the franchise’s coaching search. It’s not a stretch to say this team has enough talent to have won more than two games through its first 10 contests. If Kafka could prove that statement true, he’s an instant frontrunner for the job.

Lane Kiffin, Bill Belichick gain traction in Giants coaching search

Ole Miss Rebels football coach Lane Kiffin’s name was one that quickly came up due to his own ties to Dart. If Kiffin were to be hired, Kafka could make sense as his offensive coordinator. Then again, Kafka has his sights set on a full-time job somewhere, so any success would likely earn him head coaching consideration around the league.

Elsewhere in the college ranks, North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick reportedly strongly desires a return to the Giants organization. He’s had a rough few years since Tom Brady left the New England Patriots, and has two Super Bowl rings from his time as the GMEN’s defensive coordinator in the late 1980s/early 1990s.

We’ll see if Kafka could fend off the two big-name college/ex NFL coaches over the Giants’ last seven games.