The Detroit Lions are expanding the scope of their offensive staff in 2026.
Former Giants interim coach Mike Kafka is joining the Lions in a high-ranking offensive staff role, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Monday, per sources.
The 38-year-old Kafka served on Brian Daboll's staff in New York from 2022 through the conclusion of the 2025 season, occupying a variety of roles that included offensive coordinator and assistant head coach before he was selected to replace Daboll on an interim basis following the coach's dismissal during the 2025 campaign.
Under Kafka, the Giants played competitive football, losing five games of their final 10 contests by a single possession before finishing the year with two resounding victories over Las Vegas and Dallas.
Kafka's performance as an interim coach continued a three-year trend in which he attracted head coaching interest from clubs, and he interviewed for the Giants' full-time job before New York pivoted toward fired Ravens coach John Harbaugh. Kafka also interviewed for the Lions' and Buccaneers' offensive coordinator openings.
The former Giants assistant will instead join a Lions staff that recently hired former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to the same role in Detroit -- the move was made official Monday -- and aim to add his offensive mind into a mix that is seeking a spark after firing OC John Morton after one season.
