It might be Pro Bowl week in the NFL, but the coaching mill is still churning as we approach Super Bowl 60 and the subsequent offseason, with the Philadelphia Eagles drawing attention. Former New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka withdrew his name from consideration for the Eagles’ OC job, opting to join the Detroit Lions’ offensive staff instead.
But why?
Ex-Eagles HB LeSean McCoy Believes ‘Nice Guy’ Mike Kafka Won’t Last at Eagles
Kafka has yet to open up on why he chose the Lions over the Eagles. His decision is particularly interesting given how he opted against joining the defending Super Bowl champions.
Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy spent six seasons in the City of Brotherly Love from 2009 to 2014, getting to know the culture intimately. Kafka, a quarterback, was also there from 2010 to 2011, meaning the running back got to know the quarterback well.
Philly fans are notoriously hard on their sports teams, which McCoy believes makes Detroit a better coaching destination for Kafka.
“I’ve played with Mike Kafka,” McCoy said on ‘Speakeasy’ on Monday. “Smart dude. Calm. He won’t do good in Philadelphia. His personality — he’s too nice, too quiet. Things are gonna go a certain way — [the fans] are gonna throw eggs at your house. He can’t take stuff like that. And it’s nothing bad about Mike. Mike’s a good guy.”
“Every coach, can’t coach in Philadelphia; it’s not the easiest place to be… If you don’t have thick skin, you will not last”
– @CutonDime25 responds to Mike Kafka’s withdrawal from Eagles’ OC candidacy after joining the Detroit Lions
WE’RE STILL LIVE: https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/XvF3UQqjV1
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) January 27, 2026
Philly fans are infamous for some of their behavior. In 1968, they pelted Santa Claus with snowballs at their home field. During a 1960 title game, they brawled with police officers, resulting in several injuries. In 2018, a fan was arrested for punching a police horse at a game, highlighting the fan base’s rowdiness.
“[Philadelphia] is not the easiest place to be at. If you don’t have thick skin, you will not last. A coach would not last. And certain guys that they interview for this job, or they decline, I’m thinking, ‘Okay, let’s learn about him. What type of coach is he?’ And, knowing Mike Kafka, I don’t think he’s the type of dude that when things don’t go well, [he’ll be able to take that].”
Not many coaches have seen extensive success in Philadelphia.
Nick Sirianni’s current run stands as one of the franchise’s most successful in history, with the Super Bowl he delivered and consistent playoff trips (PFSN Playoff Meter). Doug Pederson is similarly known for the Super Bowl he won in Philly, despite spending only five years there. The legendary Andy Reid, on the other hand, is famous for his longevity at the franchise, having spent 14 successful years with the team.
