(670 The Score) Giants offensive coordinator and Chicago native Mike Kafka has completed an interview with the Bears for their head coaching position, the team announced Thursday night.
Kafka, 37, has served as the Giants’ offensive coordinator since 2022, when he was hired by head coach Brian Daboll. Prior to that, he worked for the Chiefs from 2017-'21, the final four of those years as their quarterbacks coach.
Kafka’s tenure with the Chiefs coincided with that of Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who worked in Kansas City’s front office from 2009-’21. Kafka was a key figure in Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes' development and was part of the coaching staff when Kansas City won Super Bowl LIV in February 2020.
A graduate of Northwestern and former quarterback for the Wildcats, Kafka attended St. Rita High School on Chicago’s South Side.
The Giants’ offense struggled considerably this season, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in most key categories. New York’s poor performance came in large part due to struggles at the quarterback position. Daboll served as the Giants’ offensive play-caller.
The Bears have a head coach opening after firing Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29. That marked the first ever in-season firing of a head coach in franchise history.
Poles – who has been retained for a fourth season in his position – is considered the “point man” in this coaching search, team president/CEO Kevin Warren said.
Poles will be joined in the search process by Warren, chairman George McCaskey, senior director of player personnel Jeff King, director of football administration Matt Feinstein and chief human resources officer Liz Geist. The Bears may also include members of their senior leadership team in the interview process. Eleven individuals hold titles of executive vice president or senior vice president.
The Bears have stated their intention to conduct a wide-ranging coaching search. Poles began the process shortly after firing Eberflus, starting by gathering background information and making phone calls to gather intel on potential candidates.
“We're looking for clear vision, a developmental mindset, really good game management and obviously a plan to develop a quarterback is going to be a key part of that as well,” Poles said. “We're going to cast a wide net. It's going to be a diverse group. This will be different backgrounds from offense, defense, special teams, college, pro. We're turning every stone to make sure we're doing this the right way.
“There's going to be some names that you don't expect, that are going to surprise you because we’re digging deeper than we ever have before. In terms of timing, we're going to move with urgency, but we're not going to rush the process.
“We want it to be a sound process.”
Kafka is the fifth candidate the Bears have interviewed as of late Thursday night. They've also interviewed former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. The Bears are holding their first round of interviews virtually.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on X @CEmma670.