Mike Kafka Takes the Helm as NY Giants’ Offensive Playcaller
The New York Giants are gearing up for the upcoming season with a familiar face stepping back into a pivotal role. Head coach Brian Daboll has confirmed that Mike Kafka, the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, will be calling the offensive plays this year, a position he has embraced since spring practices.
Kafka’s Transition Back to Playcalling
This transition marks a significant shift for Kafka, who was removed from playcalling duties last season in favor of Daboll. However, his involvement in the game planning process remained robust, ensuring a smooth return to the role. “It’s just about getting with the players, giving them the stuff that they like, and then just going through evaluation,” Kafka shared, emphasizing the importance of engaging with players during preseason.
As the team prepares for the season, Kafka feels confident in his ability to lead the offensive strategy, having spent considerable time honing his craft during training camp and spring practices.
On-the-Field Dynamics
This season, Kafka will be stationed on the sideline rather than the press box, where he was positioned during his initial two years. “It was good to be on the sideline. It’s always fun to be right there with the players and see it eye-to-eye and communicate with them more directly,” he remarked. This change facilitates a more hands-on approach, allowing him to interact with position groups and individual players in real time—something he found challenging from the confines of the press box.
Kafka’s presence on the field not only fosters immediate communication but also enhances his ability to answer questions from the players, particularly the rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. “I don’t know if it’s an advantage or not,” Kafka admitted, but he believes that the communication dynamics remain consistent, regardless of where they are located during the game.
Building Relationships for Success
The relationship between Kafka and the Giants’ quarterbacks, including Dart and veteran Jameis Winston, has been a focal point throughout the offseason. Kafka emphasizes the importance of continuous communication and rapport-building, which he believes will be crucial as the team moves into the regular season.
With Kafka back in the playcaller role and a renewed focus on collaboration, the Giants are optimistic about revitalizing their offensive strategy. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Kafka to see how he harnesses the talent at his disposal and translates it into on-field success.
