Mike Kafka is the new man in charge of the New York Giants. Kafka spoke publicly for the first time since the Giants fired his boss, Brian Daboll, and promoted him to interim head coach.

“I want to thank (general manager) Joe Schoen for giving me the opportunity to lead this team,” Kafka, who is taking over a team that is 2-8 for the third straight season, said Wednesday. “This is a league of incredibly difficult situations and decisions, and I just have the utmost respect for Dabs for what he’s done for me, not only as a friend but as coach. … I’ve learned a lot from him.

“In terms of where we’re at right now, I’m excited to lead this group. … I’m excited and looking forward to the challenge.”

Kafka also announced that he has promoted tight ends coach Tim Kelly to serve as his offensive coordinator, though Kafka will remain the offense’s play caller. Kelly previously served as offensive coordinator for both the Texans (2019-21) and Titans (2023).

“Really smart coach,” Kafka said of Kelly. “He’ll help us tie in the run game and the pass game. He does a great job with a lot of experience to bank on.”

Despite public scrutiny of Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Kafka said there won’t be any other coaching shakeups “right now.”

Kafka also confirmed that the team has promoted quarterback Jameis Winston to serve as rookie Jaxson Dart’s primary backup. The move to QB2 means Winston leapfrogs Russell Wilson on the depth chart and means Winston will get the start this week against the Green Bay Packers. Dart suffered a concussion during Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears and is in the league’s concussion protocol.

Kafka arrived in New York with Daboll in 2022, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator. He added assistant head coach to his title after the 2023 season and has remained in that role until now. Kafka now has an opportunity to prove his bona fides as a head coach.

“My only focus is just the players,” Kafka said when asked if he sees this opportunity as an audition. “We need to make sure, as a group, as a staff, we come together, put together a great plan.”

Former NFL QB and now #giants interim head coach Mike Kafka hopping in to throw for WR drills pic.twitter.com/hmu5PD7TOp

— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) November 12, 2025