Lions Hire Ex-Giants Interim Coach Mike Kafka

Detroit team makes other coaching staff moves as well

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The Detroit Lions have hired former New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka to an unspecified position on their coaching staff, according to reports from Lions beat reporters. The team has also announced several other coaching staff changes as they look to improve after a disappointing 2025 season.

Why it matters

The hiring of Kafka, who served as the Giants' interim head coach for the final four games of the 2025 season, is seen as a significant move for the Lions as they look to turn around their struggling franchise. Kafka is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks and his addition could provide a boost to the Lions' offense.

The details

Kafka, 34, took over as the Giants' interim head coach after the team fired their previous head coach midway through the 2025 season. In his four games as interim, Kafka led the Giants to a 2-2 record. Prior to that, he served as the Giants' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The Lions have not specified what Kafka's exact role will be on their coaching staff.

  • On January 28, 2026, the Detroit Lions announced the hiring of Mike Kafka to their coaching staff.

The players

Mike Kafka

A 34-year-old former NFL quarterback who served as the interim head coach of the New York Giants for the final four games of the 2025 season.

Detroit Lions

The professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan that plays in the National Football League.

New York Giants

The professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey that plays in the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“Mike Kafka is a bright young coach who showed a lot of promise during his time as interim head coach of the Giants. We're excited to bring him in and see what he can do to help improve our team.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions (Detroit News)

What’s next

The Lions will look to finalize Kafka's role on the coaching staff in the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Mike Kafka is a sign that the Detroit Lions are looking to inject some new energy and innovative thinking into their coaching staff as they try to turn the franchise around after a disappointing 2025 season.