Reports: Lions hire ex-Giants interim coach Mike Kafka

Field Level Media|published: Mon 26th January, 19:51 2026

NFL: Washington Commanders at New York Giants

Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) talks with interim head coach Mike Kafka during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Former interim New York Giants head coach Mike Kafka has agreed to join the Detroit Lions' staff, according to multiple reports.

Kafka, 38, served as the Giants' offensive coordinator for three-and-a-half seasons before assuming the head-coaching reins after Brian Daboll's firing on Nov. 10. The Giants fashioned a 2-5 record during his tenure and averaged 23.1 points per game.

Kafka was interviewed to become the full-time head coach, but the Giants hired longtime Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Kafka also interviewed to replace the fired Johnny Morton as the Lions' offensive coordinator, but Detroit hired ex-Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

Kafka's title with the Lions has not been specified, but he is expected to fulfill a "high-ranking" offensive staff role.

The Lions fired Morton despite ranking fourth in the NFL in points (481) and fifth in total yards (6,344). Both of those numbers fell short of the standard set in 2024 by Ben Johnson, who parlayed Detroit's 564 points (first) and 6,962 yards (second) into the Chicago Bears' head-coaching job.

--Field Level Media