Mike Kafka Named Interim Head Coach of the New York Giants After Brian Daboll Firing

The New York Giants have made a major mid-season change, firing head coach Brian Daboll after a disappointing 2-8 start to the 2025 NFL season. The team confirmed Monday that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the campaign.This marks Kafka’s first opportunity leading an NFL team — a pivotal seven-game stretch that could shape both his career and the Giants’ direction heading into 2026.

From Quarterback to Play-Caller to Head Coach

Kafka, 37, is a former NFL quarterback who played collegiately at Northwestern before spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. Following brief stints with several teams, he transitioned to coaching in 2017 under Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped develop Patrick Mahomes as quarterbacks coach.In 2022, Kafka joined Daboll’s new staff in New York and has since been credited with designing offensive schemes that helped the Giants reach the playoffs in 2022.

A Chance to Prove Himself

Kafka has previously interviewed for multiple head-coaching vacancies, including roles with the Texans, Panthers, and Commanders. Now, he’ll get his first real audition as the Giants’ interim leader — a seven-week window to demonstrate whether he can stabilize a struggling locker room and earn a full-time role.The Giants’ front office emphasized that the remainder of the season will be focused on player development and culture rebuilding, with Kafka expected to oversee both play-calling and overall game management.

Giants Enter New Era Amid Rebuild

The franchise is still searching for long-term consistency after a turbulent two-year stretch under Daboll, whose early success faded amid injuries and uneven quarterback play. The team will look to Kafka’s offensive background and calm demeanor to bring direction and accountability back to a roster that has underperformed in 2025.