The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still reeling after a second half collapse prevented them from making the playoffs. Losing seven of their nine games after a 6-2 start can do that.
For Buccaneers fans looking for change, they didn't move on from Todd Bowles. Yet, he is making changes to his coaching staff. One of the big names to be let go is offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Now, Buccaneers fans are wondering who they could bring in to replace him.
One name popular name gaining traction is former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Even though he is receiving head coaching interest from the likes of the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens, McDaniel is reportedly set to meet with the Detroit Lions for their offensive coordinator position. Maybe the Buccaneers could be of interest?
Maybe not?
Greg Auman of FOX Sports reported that the Buccaneers are interviewing former New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka for their offensive coordinator opening.
The Bucs will interview Giants OC and interim coach Mike Kafka for their offensive coordinator job. Kafka, 38, was a Bucs backup QB in 2014 and was a Chiefs assistant 2017-21 before joining Giants in 2022.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 12, 2026
Buccaneers interviewing former Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka for OC opening
Kafka is name that, in the past, has received some genuine head coaching interest, notably from the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. This offseason, Kafka has only interviewed with the Giants for the full-time head coaching job.
Kafka received his first offensive coordinator gig with the Giants under then-head coach Brian Daboll. His results at that position has been a mixed bag to say the least. That can be credited to the lack of steady quarterback play and an ineffectual offensive line through his first three years, but the offense has been far from great under Kafka. Not to mention, Kafka was stripped of play calling duties in the 2024 season. He regained those responsibilities this season.
Below is where the Giants ranked offensively under Kafka:
Year | Yards/Game (Ranking) | Points/Game (Ranking) |
|---|---|---|
2022 | 333.9 (18th) | 21.5 (16th) |
2023 | 280.0 (29th) | 15.6 (30th) |
2024 | 294.8 (30th) | 16.1 (31st) |
2025 | 333.5 (13th) | 22.4 (17th) |
As you can see, there is a lot of inconsistency in his tenure as offensive coordinator in New York. Let's face it, the talent hasn't exactly been there for most of that tenure. But with Tampa Bay, Kafka would have an abundance of talent on offense.
The Buccaneers are doing their due diligence to find their next offensive coordinator. Kafka is under consideration, but he may not be the answer they are looking for to solve their woes.