Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has made a big move by poaching a member of the New York Giants coaching staff. The Giants have been hit hard by departures from their staff, and now tight ends coach Andy Bischoff is leaving to join Harbaugh’s staff in LA. Bischoff will take on the role of tight ends coach and run game coordinator for the Chargers. This move is not surprising considering Bischoff’s previous connection to the Harbaugh family during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He will also reunite with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who is expected to join the Chargers as their new OC.
There has been a significant exodus from the Giants coaching staff in 2024, and it’s unclear whether it was by choice or not. In this case, it seems that Bischoff wanted to leave, but the Giants also allowed him to make the lateral move. According to New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy, the Giants could have blocked the move since the “run game coordinator” position is not considered a promotion under league rules. However, they did not exercise that option.
Bischoff’s tenure as the Giants’ tight ends coach has been mixed. While he had some success developing Daniel Bellinger, a fourth-round selection, the tight end room as a whole has not been a strong area for the team. The disappointment of Darren Waller in 2023, both due to injury and underwhelming performance, may reflect on Bischoff’s coaching abilities.
It’s worth noting that Giants head coach Brian Daboll did not seem intent on firing Bischoff before this poaching occurred. However, he also did not prevent Harbaugh from taking him. As Daboll assembles a new staff for the Giants in 2024, he may be looking for coaches who are committed to being there. This could potentially lead to more major departures in the future.
In a related development, the Seattle Seahawks showed interest in Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka for their head coach position. Although Kafka was not ultimately hired, the Seahawks then expressed interest in hiring him as their offensive coordinator. However, the Giants exercised their contractual right to block the move, indicating that they value Kafka’s contributions to the team.
“Team exercising its contractual right,” Jones explained. “Kafka clearly valued with Big Blue.”
Shortly after this report, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reacted: “This shows there is a perception around the league that Kafka will not be the Giants play-caller and could want out.”
NFL Draft Bites analyst Chad Forbes also voiced that “clear Mike Kafka wants out of Giants.” Adding that this is a “similar predicament to Wink Martindale.”
Forbes then elaborated on that opinion, stating: “When Giants hired Mike Kafka, they made him a very highly paid O-Coordinator given his experience. When Giants hired Wink Martindale, they meet his significant asking price. Held firm with Wink. If you want out, we’re not paying you to coach elsewhere. Resign the position.”
Kafka has given no sense that he’s considering resigning at this time, at least publicly. But with the way this offseason has gone, it could be the next shoe to drop.
In an article on February 4, New York Daily News reporter Pat Leonard argued that “the Giants should let Mike Kafka out, but they won’t because of how it would look.” Are we on our way to another coaching departure?
If Kafka does eventually leave, that would mean three new coordinators in one offseason (one firing, two resignations). That type of track record might not be sustainable for Brian Daboll.
Michael Obermuller covers the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.