By Ross Jackson
Of the eight candidates expected to be up for the New Orleans Saints’ head coaching position, one will have some extra responsibilities this offseason leading the way for one of the teams at the offseason’s premier college football showcase.
New York Giants offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka will coach the Reese’s Senior Bowl’s National Team. The annual college all-star showcase takes place each offseason in Mobile, Ala. It is by far the most prestigious collection of upcoming draftable prospects.
#Saints head coaching candidate and NYG OC/AHC Mike Kafka is set to be one of the Senior Bowl’s head coaches.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) January 16, 2025
During the event, players practice for a week before squaring off over four quarters to end the week. During their time in Mobile, the players also get a chance to interview with NFL teams and take workshops to prepare them for things like financial management and more in their transition from college to the pros.
Kafka is one of the coaches that the Saints have already interviewed, via video conference, for their open head coaching position.
“It’s an honor to be selected as one of the head coaches for the Senior Bowl!” Kafka said via press release. “I look forward to getting to know some of the best college athletes in the country both on and off the field, as well as getting to work with a variety of talented coaches from around the NFL.”
There are no current Saints staffers on either team’s coordinator pool, however former running back coach Joel Thomas, now the running backs coach of the Giants, will be the American Team’s offensive coordinator.
The experience would give Kafka a deep knowledge of the premier players in this year’s draft class. The offseason showcase is a common talent pool from which the Saints draft each season.
Position coaches and assistants for the Senior Bowl will be announced soon. According to their press release, at least one coach from 13 teams that submitted nominations from their coaching staff was selected to help coach this year’s game.
