Lions Hire Mike Kafka as Pass Game Coordinator

Former NFL quarterback joins coaching staff for 2026 season

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:34pm

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The Detroit Lions have announced the hiring of Mike Kafka as their new pass game coordinator for the 2026 NFL season. Kafka, a former NFL quarterback, will join the Lions' coaching staff and be tasked with overseeing the team's passing attack.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to improve their passing offense after a disappointing 2025 season. Kafka's experience as a quarterback and his reputation as an innovative offensive mind could help elevate the team's aerial attack and support the development of young quarterback Hendon Hooker.

The details

Kafka, 34, spent the last three seasons as the quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he had coaching stints with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a player, Kafka was a fourth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 and spent time with several NFL teams during his five-year career.

  • The Lions announced Kafka's hiring on February 23, 2026.

The players

Mike Kafka

The new pass game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Kafka is a former NFL quarterback who has spent the last several years as a coach, most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hendon Hooker

The young quarterback for the Detroit Lions, Hooker is looking to build on his promising 2025 season and take the next step in his development with the help of new offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

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What they’re saying

“Mike Kafka is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and we're thrilled to have him join our staff. His expertise in the passing game will be invaluable as we look to take our offense to the next level.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The Lions will look to integrate Kafka's offensive philosophies and strategies during the team's offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having the passing game firing on all cylinders by the start of the 2026 regular season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Mike Kafka as pass game coordinator represents the Lions' commitment to improving their passing attack and supporting the development of young quarterback Hendon Hooker. Kafka's reputation as an innovative offensive mind could pay dividends for the team in the 2026 season and beyond.