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Mike Kafka Has Seven Games to Fix the New York Giants
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Mike Kafka Has Seven Games to Fix the New York Giants

Originally posted on The Lead  |  Last updated Nov 13, 2025 6:30 PM ET

The axe finally fell in East Rutherford on November 10, 2025.

After a disastrous 2-8 start, the New York Giants parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll. This decision felt inevitable after a four-game losing streak. The pressure had simply become too great. The locker room seemed fractured. Now, the franchise looks to pick up the pieces amid a chaotic NFL season.

Looking at the upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers, the narrative is grim. A quick glance at the NFL Week 11 odds reveals just how little faith remains in this roster. The spread sits heavily in Green Bay’s favor. Rather than just a betting line, this number serves as a harsh reality check. It shows that the league views New York as a team in total disarray.

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka now holds the keys to the kingdom. He takes over as interim head coach with a massive chip on his shoulder. For the rest of this NFL campaign, Kafka is not just coaching games. He is auditioning for his career.

Mike Kafka Auditions for the Big Chair

The spotlight now shifts entirely to Kafka. Fans remember his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped mold Patrick Mahomes. That resume brings a glimmer of hope. Kafka is known for a calm and methodical approach. This is a stark pivot from the fiery sideline demeanor we saw previously.

However, pedigree alone wins nothing. Kafka must now prove he can lead. His primary job is stabilizing a sinking ship. He needs to find an identity for an offense that has looked lost for months. If he can squeeze productivity out of this unit, he might just force his way into the permanent conversation.

Front Office Stability Amidst Chaos

Interestingly, General Manager Joe Schoen remains in his role. Ownership decided to keep the front office intact to lead the next coaching search. This is a significant vote of confidence.

It seems the organization believes the talent is there, even if the results are not. Schoen’s job now transitions from roster construction to talent evaluation. He needs to decide who stays and who goes when the rebuild truly begins next spring.

Quarterback Questions Loom Large

The immediate future on the field is murky. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is currently in concussion protocol following the loss to Chicago.

Jameis Winston was named the starter against the Packers after Dart entered concussion protocol. Winston is known for his energetic speeches.

  • Evaluation vs. Competition – Do you play to win now, or to grade young talent?
  • Roster Health – Protecting the franchise’s future is paramount.
  • Tactical Shifts – Kafka may need to simplify the playbook to reduce turnovers against a good Packer defense.

Sunday Showdown at MetLife

The new era begins on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The Giants host the Packers at MetLife Stadium with kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox.

This game is no longer about playoff positioning. It is about pride. It is about seeing if Mike Kafka can get this team to fight. The rest of this NFL season will tell us if the Giants are close to a turnaround or if they are destined for a total teardown.

MORE: Did the Giants make the right decision in firing Daboll?

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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