The New Orleans Saints’ search for their next head coach is ramping up, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka appears to be a legitimate contender. According to Jonathan Jones, the Saints have scheduled an in-person, second-round interview with Kafka, signaling that they’re taking a closer look at the 37-year-old offensive mind.
The Saints, who have the last remaining coaching vacancy, will host Giants OC Mike Kafka today for an in-person interview.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 25, 2025
Kafka, who’s been in coaching since 2016, has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and leading creative offenses, but questions remain about whether he’s actually ready to step into the top job.
Kafka’s coaching journey is a classic case of rising through the ranks. After a brief stint as a player, he started on Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City, where he worked with Patrick Mahomes during his meteoric rise to stardom. That earned him the offensive coordinator role in New York in 2022, where he helped guide the Giants to their first playoff win in over a decade. The early returns were promising, but things took a downturn in recent years as the Giants’ offense sputtered, finishing near the bottom of the league in multiple categories in 2024.
Even with the downfall, Kafka’s reputation apparently hasn’t taken a significant hit in league circles, and his name continues to pop up in head coaching searches. For the Saints, who are desperate for offensive innovation and leadership, Kafka presents an intriguing option.
What would Mike Kafka bring to the Saints?
The Saints’ situation is anything but straightforward. After a disappointing 5-12 season, they’re entering a full-blown reset, with Derek Carr’s future in doubt and a roster in need of serious retooling. The team’s next head coach will have to be both a builder and a strategist—qualities Kafka might possess but hasn’t yet proven in any capacity.
His ability to develop quarterbacks is his biggest selling point. During his time in Kansas City, he worked closely with Mahomes, and he was instrumental in helping Daniel Jones post a career-best season in 2022.
That history could appeal to the Saints, especially as they face uncertainty at the quarterback position. Whether it’s finding a bridge quarterback or tapping into soon-to-be second-year QB Spencer Rattler's potential, having someone like Kafka to guide the process might make sense. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's ready to be a HC.
But the question remains: Can Kafka lead a team?
His lack of head coaching experience and the Giants’ recent offensive struggles should be major red flags. While his work with Mahomes is impressive, it’s fair to wonder how much of that success can be attributed to Andy Reid’s system. Similarly, while Kafka helped Jones early on, the Giants’ offensive collapse after 2023 suggests he may not have the answers to sustain long-term success.
For the Saints, this is a decision that could define the next few years. Kafka’s potential is undeniable, but hiring him is a bet on what he might become rather than what he’s already proven. Whether New Orleans is willing to take that gamble remains to be seen, but Saturday’s interview could be the first step toward a bold, albeit risky, new direction.
