Mike Kafka Will Take Over Giants’ Offensive Control
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – New York Giants coach Brian Daboll confirmed that assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will be calling the offensive plays this season. The Giants kick off the season on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, with Kafka calling the plays and new quarterback Russell Wilson starting. Kafka had already called the offensive plays for most of his first two seasons with Daboll and the Giants. However, towards the end of the second season, some discontent was noted, and Kafka was sometimes relieved of play-calling responsibilities. Last season, Daboll took control of the offense, and the Giants finished with a 3-14 record, ranking 31st in points per game.This decision seemed to tip the scales in Kafka’s favor, even though Daboll had made his mark before arriving at the Giants, calling the plays for the Buffalo Bills. Kafka, for his part, was originally recruited by Daboll from the Kansas City Chiefs with the idea of being the play-caller. Interviewed for several head coaching positions in the last offseasons, but was not allowed to accept any lateral position. Instead, he was promoted last offseason by the Giants. Kafka has called the plays throughout the spring and summer, and the results have been positive. New York averaged 35.7 points per game in three preseason games, and the offense performed consistently better throughout training camp.Maybe (Daboll) will make some changes in the way he operates in the future. I spoke with him about: “Do you really think it’s best for us that you keep calling the plays?”
John Mara, Giants president and owner
Kafka called the plays this preseason from the field, which represented a change from previous years, when he served as the play caller from the booth. He anticipates this will continue throughout the season.Mike has done a great job this preseason. He has done a good job with the staff. I have a lot of confidence in Mike and the offensive staff. Up to this point, in relation to all the preseason games and the meetings we’ve had, I am very satisfied with the offensive staff.
Brian Daboll, Giants coach
The Giants hope everything works better this season with Kafka leading the meetings and the offense. Daboll took control of both last season, leaving Kafka in a secondary position. This isn’t the only change for the Giants’ offense this season. Daboll and Kafka are working with a completely new quarterback room with Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart. Besides that, the Giants retain 10 offensive starters from last year’s team, with the only change at quarterback and now at play-caller.It was good to be on the sideline. It’s always being right there with the players and seeing them face-to-face and communicating with them more directly. You can do certain elements of that in the booth. But there’s really no substitute for being on the field.
Mike Kafka, Giants offensive coordinator
