According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Detroit has brought in Mike Kafka, adding another experienced voice to its staff. Kafka was most recently the interim head coach of the New York Giants and was involved in their head coaching search before the organization ultimately selected John Harbaugh.

During the offseason, Kafka’s name also surfaced as a potential candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator role, but he now lands in Detroit instead.

Kafka’s strongest NFL résumé comes from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs between 2017 and 2021. He began on Andy Reid’s staff as an offensive quality control coach, later transitioning into the quarterbacks coach role. He eventually took on added responsibilities as both quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, working closely with Patrick Mahomes during the quarterback’s rise to superstardom. Kafka earned a Super Bowl ring during that stretch with Kansas City.

After leaving the Chiefs, Kafka joined the Giants as their offensive coordinator in 2022 before being elevated to interim head coach.

Before becoming a coach, Kafka spent several seasons in the NFL primarily as a reserve quarterback, with stops that included the Eagles, Patriots, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Vikings, Titans, and Bengals. He played college football at Northwestern, where he excelled before being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by Philadelphia.

With his background as a former quarterback and his experience developing elite talent, Kafka is expected to provide valuable insight and leadership to the Lions’ coaching staff.