After moving from Giants offensive coordinator to interim head coach, Mike Kafka introduced a change that has been well-received by the team’s players. Unlike Brian Daboll’s work schedule, the new coach modified the timing of the daily meetings.
Art Stapleton, Giants reporter, spoke with several players to learn how they feel about the new measure. So far, they seem to like it.
Several Giants players told me in recent days that the biggest change implemented by Mike Kafka was moving the special teams meeting to the first thing in the morning. That allows for more offensive and defensive meetings, as well as covering more details before practice.
Stapleton’s report indicates that Daboll’s scheduling system was perceived as disorganized and rushed. Players were not comfortable with that method.
Sometimes, players said it felt like a scramble from the walkthrough to special teams and then straight into practice.
Since the change is new, opinions are divided. Some players are comfortable with Kafka’s approach, while others are not, as they are still adjusting to the new rhythm.
One player told me that more meetings don’t work for everyone, but those I spoke with welcomed the change
With the new schedule, position groups now have more opportunities to review game plans, make adjustments, and ensure everyone understands their assignments before heading out to practice.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN described Mike Kafka as “a much more balanced and consistent personality than the highly intense Daboll.”
One of the players who trusts Kafka the most is veteran receiver Darius Slayton. As an experienced player, he has committed to working closely with the coach to bring the locker room together and carry out his ideas.
I feel like today he was full of energy. He came in, and you could tell he had a positive mindset, a mindset of opportunity.
Much of the trust in Kafka comes from the fact that he is an Andy Reid disciple. He learned a lot from him.
Is there hope for the Giants with Mike Kafka?
Kafka worked with Andy Reid on the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017 as an offensive quality control coach. He went on to serve as quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator between 2018 and 2021. He was a key figure in Patrick Mahomes’ development.
As the Giants’ interim coach for the 2025 season, Kafka has seven games to prove he can become the permanent head coach next season. The New York team is coming off a four-game losing streak to Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, and Chicago.
Green Bay will be their opponent in Week 11. It will be a tough game. The outlook is not encouraging for Kafka and his men.
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