Reporter addresses futures of Giants coordinators

It appears the working relationships between New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka may not last long beyond this Sunday's season finale against the rival Philadelphia Eagles.

"The tension between the Giants defensive coordinator and coach has been documented," Jordan Raanan of ESPN wrote for a piece published Thursday. "It's real." 

Specifically, Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer reported in late November that Martindale and Daboll were in such a "bad place" at that time that the two could agree to part ways before the conclusion of this season. 

Both Daboll and Martindale attempted to pour cold water over Glazer's story, but Raanan suggested that Giants co-owner John Mara may have to convince the two coaches who helped the club earn a road playoff win last January to stay together through the winter months. 

As for Kafka, he interviewed for multiple NFL head-coach openings last offseason and was linked in the summer with the Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern officially promoted David Braun from interim coach to the full-time gig in November. 

"Even though Kafka was in the running for head-coaching positions last year, Daboll has gotten more involved in the offense this year," Raanan explained. "That naturally minimizes Kafka." 

This past Monday, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reported that Kafka may find himself "out of a job" following the season because "several people in the organization said they would not be surprised if Daboll takes over the offensive play calling himself in 2024." 

ESPN stats show that the Giants enter Week 18 ranked 30th in the NFL with an average of 271.6 offensive yards per game and 30th with an average of 14.9 points scored per contest on the campaign. 

"There have been rumblings that Kafka could want out, as well," Raanan added. 

There's no indication as of the first Thursday of 2024 that Mara will fire Daboll despite the club's 5-11 record. It does, however, seem significant changes could be coming to the Giants sooner rather than later.