There is no doubt Mike Kafka thought about being an NFL coach as he worked his way up the ladder, garnered interest from other teams with interviews for the head job and settled in as the Giants’ offensive coordinator working for Brian Daboll.
Kafka has been the interim head coach ever since Daboll was fired Nov. 10 and he has steadfastly steered clear of discussing his future, his chances of sticking with the Giants or a desire to enhance his resume to entice other teams.
Kafka lost his first five games in his new role before breaking through with last week’s 34-10 victory over the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Finding a way to beat the Cowboys on Sunday would be a nice way for him to ring in 2026.
“I have a lot of confidence in my abilities as a coach and as a leader,’’ Kafka said. “But again, I haven’t had a whole lot of time to think about that. We’ve been in the season. I’ll have time to reflect after the season, but I have a lot of confidence in myself.’’
At a time when teams out of playoff contention are resting players, Kafka is taking a reverse approach.
Asked about what plan he has for defensive starters Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence, Kafka said it is full speed ahead.
“We have a plan and we’re playing the game,’’ Kafka said. “Everyone’s rolling all the way through.’’
What about easing off his starters in the second half?
“No, we’re not even thinking that way at all,’’ Kafka said. “Going straight through. Straight through all 60 minutes or whatever it takes.’’
It remains to be seen how the Cowboys deploy their starters on Sunday.
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer said quarterback Dak Prescott will start, but he might not finish the game.
“Dak will certainly play …we’re gonna play the game and see how the game goes,’’ Schotthenheimer said.
TE Theo Johnson did not make the trip to Las Vegas because of illness and was not at the team facility on Wednesday. It is cold-and-flu season and there is something going around the team. OLB Abdul Carter was sent home from practice because he is ill and WR Jalin Hyatt is also sick. … WR Wan’Dale Robinson (ribs) was held out, as was CB Cor’Dale Flott (knee).
S Jevon Holland was forced out of the victory in Las Vegas with a knee injury.
It is not believed to be a long-term issue but Holland was held out of practice.
He is also in concussion protocol, making him highly unlikely to play in the season finale.
Brian Burns was named the winner of the 2025 George Young/Ernie Accorsi Good Guy Award, presented by the Giants chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association to the player who is most cooperative with the beat writers to cover the team on a regular basis.
Burns was available for interviews in the locker room every week and especially after games, willing to share his thoughts on his individual success (career-high 16.5 sacks) and the many team failures.
Robinson finished second in the voting and Jermaine Eluemunor was third.
