Chiefs' Andy Reid Praises Lions Assistant Mike Kafka

Reid says Kafka has a 'great football mind' and will be 'good for the Lions'

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:53pm

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke highly of Detroit Lions assistant coach Mike Kafka, saying he has a 'great football mind' and will be 'good for the Lions' in his new behind-the-scenes role.

Why it matters

Kafka, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, is joining the Lions' coaching staff under head coach Dan Campbell. Reid's endorsement of Kafka's abilities could signal that the young assistant is on the rise and poised to make an impact in Detroit.

The details

Kafka spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants before joining the Lions this offseason. In his new role with the Lions, he will work closely with head coach Dan Campbell and the offensive coaching staff to help develop the team's schemes and game plans.

  • Kafka joined the Lions' coaching staff in April 2026.

The players

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, who previously worked with Kafka when he was on the Chiefs' coaching staff.

Mike Kafka

The new assistant coach for the Detroit Lions, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who hired Kafka to join his coaching staff this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“He's got a great football mind. He'll be good for the Lions.”

— Andy Reid, Head Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

The takeaway

Kafka's hiring by the Lions and the endorsement from veteran coach Andy Reid suggest the young assistant is viewed as a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks, and his addition to Dan Campbell's staff in Detroit could help the team's offense take a step forward in the coming season.