How hirings of Sean Payton (Denver), DeMeco Ryans (Houston) impact the Giants

Jan 31, 2023 - 10:00 PM

It became more likely on Tuesday that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will remain with the New York Giants as the Denver Broncos traded for Sean Payton and the Houston Texans hired DeMeco Ryans to fill their coaching vacancies.

Kafka had interviewed with the Texans and was said to be in consideration for the Denver job had the Broncos decided to expand their search. Instead, they moved Tuesday to get Payton.

Kafka also interviewed in Carolina, where the Panthers hired Frank Reich, and with the Indianapolis Colts, who have not hired a coach yet. Kafka is also still expected to interview this week with the Arizona Cardinals.

So, it’s down to Colts and Cardinals with openings for head coaches. Kafka is in play for both. Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has also had a pair of interviews for the Indianapolis job.

Tuesday’s events, though, have increased the odds of the Giants being able to keep both of their talented coordinators for at least another season.

What a pair of moves by Denver and Houston!

The Denver Broncos, who also flirted with Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, got the big-name coach they had been seeking by making a mega-trade with the New Orleans Saints, Payton’s former employer.

The Broncos, though, did not exactly take a straight line in the process that led them to pairing Payton with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

In Houston, Ryans is reportedly getting a six-year deal. The Texans fired each of their last two coaches, David Culley and Lovie Smith, after one year.

Ryans spent the first six seasons of his 10-year NFL career playing linebacker for Houston. He has been a coach with the San Francisco 49ers since 2017, spending the last two seasons as defensive coordinator.