Giants OC Mike Kafka sidesteps Northwestern questions

New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka interviewed for multiple NFL head coaching vacancies over the offseason and is expected to be a hot commodity next year if his offense continues to grow this season.

Could that include strong interest from his alma mater?

Kafka played for Northwestern from 2005-09 and finished his career with 4,265 passing yards and 887 rushing yards with 30 combined touchdowns in 27 games.

Now 36, Kafka's name surfaced as a potential replacement for Pat Fitzgerald after the latter was fired last month in response to allegations of hazing, sexualized abuse and racial discrimination made by former players.

Northwestern ultimately decided to elevate first-year offensive coordinator David Braun to the interim head coach position. However, the school is likely to seek a permanent leader for the program later this year.

When asked Thursday if he would be interested should Northwestern reach out to him, Kafka only offered, "I'd say that I'm just focused on today."

The Giants received requests from at least three NFL teams after the regular season to interview Kafka: the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.

Braun was hired by Northwestern in January and then elevated to the head post last month. The Wildcats also added USFL head coach Skip Holtz as the special assistant to the head coach. That is also a temporary position and won't impact Holtz's duties with the Birmingham Stallions.

The fallout is still unfolding at Northwestern, which hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct an independent review of its athletics programs and culture in the wake of recent scandals and allegations of hazing in other sports, too.

The results of Lynch's findings will be made public, and it remains to be seen how coveted the Wildcats' football job will be in the coming months.

The Wildcats begin the season Sept. 3 at Rutgers. Braun said the Wildcats will be ready.

"I never could have imagined, nor did I desire, to become a head coach under these types of circumstances. That said, I'm honored to lead this group moving forward," Braun said at Big Ten Media Days last month.

"I have found a team that has come together, that truly loves one another and has an incredible resolve to attack the 2023 season and write their own story about overcoming adversity. Let me be clear, this football team will be ready to go."