After losing out on the opportunity to be the Detroit Lions' next offensive coordinator, Mike Kafka has still landed himself a gig with the organization.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday following the NFL's title games that the team had hired Kafka for a "high-ranking offensive staff role."
We know, very vague. But, it feels likely that Kafka will just be learning the ropes of Detroit's offense under Campbell and Drew Petzing this season, and getting his footing again after losing out on the chance to keep his job as head coach of the New York Giants.
Lions hire Mike Kafka to offensive coaching staff
Kafka is just 38 years old, and has been getting some interviews for roles ranging from offensive coordinator to head coach. A notable job that he had interviewed for, with the Philadelphia Eagles for their vacant OC role, is still left unfilled. Another candidate is off the map for them, while a conference rival gets to bring Kafka on full-time.
It makes you wonder why, if the Lions were so enamored with Kafka as to hire him to their staff, they didn't just bring him in as an offensive coordinator? Kafka did a decent job with the Giants' offense despite so many woes for them at quarterback this past season, making even Jameis Winston look unstoppable against the Lions during the regular season.
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Clearly, Detroit liked what they saw from Kafka, and perhaps see an opportunity for Kafka to learn about their play-style without being the "fall guy" if the offense once again sputters in 2026. Additionally, the Lions now have a tidy, in-house replacement for Petzing if things go awry.
Kafka is also nice insurance in case the Lions lose wide receivers coach/assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery this offseason.
Montgomery's gotten some interviews for open offensive coordinator positions around the league, most recently getting a request for the open OC job with the Baltimore Ravens. If he walks, it'd make sense to see Kafka slide in there given his experience as a passing coordinator.
Kafka, again, is a coordinator with a great track record of getting the most out of his rushing attack. Clearly, the Lions are looking to double down on their offense on that end after they struggled in that department for much of 2025.