The New York Giants were forced to overhaul their roster following a disappointing 3-14 season, but a notable shift is also happening within the coaching staff—one that could have a major impact on head coach Brian Daboll and the offense.
In 2024, Daboll took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, but during OTAs on Wednesday, May 28, Kafka seemed to have resumed that role. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News observed Kafka “radioing in the offensive plays today.”
Having Mike Kafka back in charge of play-calling could be a major boost for the Giants. He held that role during the team’s 2022 playoff run, when his play designs helped Daniel Jones have a breakout season.
Kafka’s role becomes even more critical now that the Giants are turning to fresh talent at quarterback, led by 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson and 2025 draft pick Jaxson Dart.
Both quarterbacks participated in a structured rotation during Wednesday’s practice, but all of them will need clear guidance from the sideline. Kafka’s increased involvement early in the offseason suggests the team is moving toward a more defined offensive direction.
Mike Kafka News Positive for Giants
Brian Daboll’s one season as the Giants’ primary play-caller didn’t produce good results, with the offense finishing 31st in points and 30th in total yards, according to Pro Football Reference.
While injuries and inconsistent quarterback play were major factors, the offense lacked the spark it had when Mike Kafka had a stronger role. Many have called for Kafka to regain play-calling duties, and now that he has, it could be a crucial turning point.
Reinstating Kafka also places him at the center of Jaxson Dart’s development. That’s a gamble for Daboll, who needs the rookie to progress quickly—similar to how Josh Allen rose under Daboll’s guidance in Buffalo.
By handing back the reins to Kafka, Daboll is showing a willingness to step back from micro-managing and focus more on big-picture leadership in a make-or-break season. Giants Nation Show host Bobby Skinner supports this approach, noting it allows Daboll’s offensive vision to remain intact while Kafka’s creativity—especially his ability to break tendencies and build off the run game—can flourish within a clearly defined coaching structure.
Giants QBs Endured Tough Day
Regardless of who was calling the plays, Giants quarterbacks struggled during OTAs. Russell Wilson opened the session with “three straight incompletions and a run for minimal to no gain,” according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. However, he appeared to settle in as practice went on, eventually connecting with Darius Slayton on a well-placed throw to the back corner of the end zone.
Jaxson Dart also had a rough outing. The rookie, taken 25th overall in the 2025 draft, threw an interception to linebacker Micah McFadden, with SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes noting that “Dart forced that one into the crowd.”
While Wilson represents the present and Dart the future, both are adapting to a new offensive system, so growing pains are inevitable. Still, those challenges can be better managed with a clearly established structure for coaching and play-calling—a framework that appears to be taking shape with Kafka’s renewed role.