NFL Rumors: Giants' Mike Kafka Blocked From Interviewing For Seahawks' OC Job

It appears New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka won't be given the opportunity to join Mike Macdonald's staff in Seattle.

The Giants have blocked Kafka from interviewing for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator job, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, who added that New York is "exercising its contractual right."

Jones previously reported that Kafka "interviewed well" for Seattle's head coaching job before it was given to Macdonald and that there was interest in bringing him on as offensive coordinator.

There were rumors that Kafka could depart Big Blue this winter even if he didn't land a head coaching job after ESPN's Jordan Raanan (h/t Dan Benton of Giants Wire) reported last month that he was "unhappy" in New York and that he "wouldn't be surprised if the Giants let him out and he ends up somewhere else."

Raanan added that Kafka's unhappiness in East Rutherford was due to a deteriorating relationship with head coach Brian Daboll.

"I had heard on multiple occasions that Kafka's deal was that Brian Daboll was super suffocating. He was overly involved in the offense if that was possible — even though it's his offense. But really, just in a way, undercutting, completely undercutting Kafka, who is the offense coordinator."

Despite Kafka's unhappiness, Raanan reported this week that the Giants were expected to retain him as offensive coordinator in 2024.

Kafka has been offensive coordinator of the Giants since 2022, and his offense struggled mightily in 2023, in part due to the loss of quarterback Daniel Jones to a torn ACL in November.

New York finished the season with the second-worst aerial attack in the NFL, averaging 169.8 passing yards per game, and the offense also averaged just 15.6 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league.

The team's rushing offense ranked 16th in the league, averaging 110.2 rushing yards per game, mainly thanks to star running back Saquon Barkley.

Prior to joining the Giants, Kafka spent five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He served as the franchise's offensive quality control coach in 2017 and quarterbacks coach from 2018-2021.

Kafka was also Kansas City's passing game coordinator in 2020 and 2021.

While Kafka is out of the running in Seattle, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and Detroit Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand appear to remain in contention for the job.