Detroit Lions adding former Giants OC and interim coach Mike Kafka to coaching staff

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Allen Park — After being considered for the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator position that went to Drew Petzing, the team will be adding former New York Giants offensive coordinator and interim head coach Mike Kafka to Dan Campbell’s staff a team source confirmed Monday afternoon.

The role is currently unknown, but the NFL Network, which initially reported the addition, called it a “high ranking” role.

Kafka, 38, is a former NFL quarterback who rapidly rose through the coaching ranks following his playing career.

Initially starting as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Northwestern, Kafka joined Kansas City’s staff as a quality control coach in 2016. He spent five years with the Chiefs, earning a pair of promotions, first to quarterbacks coach, then passing game coordinator, coinciding with Patrick Mahomes move into the team’s starting lineup.

“(He was) very smart, meticulous in his preparation as a player,” Reid told The Athletic. “Inquisitive. He wanted to know everything about all the spots and positions, and how they affect the play. And he’s a good person. So I thought that would transfer into being a good coach.”

In 2022, Kafka was hired as the Giants offensive coordinator by Brian Daboll, later replacing the coach after he was fired midway through last season.

Kafka has interviewed for multiple head coaching openings the past few years, including the Titans job this offseason. He also met with the Buccaneers and Eagles about their offensive coordinator vacancies this month.