The Carolina Panthers are in search of their next head coach and they have eyes on New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, among others.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Panthers have requested an interview with Kafka.
The #Panthers requested an interview with #Giants OC Mike Kafka for their head coaching job, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2023
But the Panthers aren’t alone. The Houston Texans have also requested an interview with Kafka for their head coaching job.
#Texans have requested to interview #Giants OC Mike Kafka, a source tells @theScore. #Panthers have also submitted for Kafka.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2023
Kafka can’t interview for any head coaching vacancies until next week, so this should not serve as a distraction for the Giants as they prepare for a Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The 35-year-old Kafka was hired to Brian Daboll’s staff prior to this season after spending five years with the Kansas City Chiefs. While in K.C., Kafka climbed the ladder from offensive quality control coach to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
With the Giants, Kafka earned the right to call plays and has done an exceptional job. Not only did the team finish in the top 15 of scoring, but Daniel Jones has morphed into a quality, long-term franchise quarterback.
In addition to Kafka, the Panthers also intend to interview Frank Reich, Ben Johnson, Ken Dorsey, and Shane Steichen.
Meanwhile, the Texans have put in interview requests for Ben Johnson, DeMeco Ryans, Jonathan Gannon, Ejiro Evero, and Shane Steichen in addition to Kafka.