Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh Poaches New York Giants Staff Member
In a shocking turn of events for the New York Giants, another member of their coaching staff has departed. Brian Daboll’s team is taking yet another hit in 2024.
Andy Bischoff, the former tight ends coach for the Giants, has decided to join Jim Harbaugh’s staff in LA, as reported by Doug Samuels of FootballScoop. Bischoff will take on the role of tight ends coach and run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bischoff’s connection to the Harbaugh family comes from his six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh, who is Jim’s brother. Additionally, Bischoff will reunite with former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who is expected to join the Chargers staff as their new offensive coordinator.
This departure adds to the mass exodus from Daboll’s coaching staff in 2024. While it seems that Bischoff wanted to leave, the Giants also allowed him to make this lateral move, according to New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy. It is worth noting that the Giants could have blocked the move if they wanted to, as the “run game coordinator” position is not considered a promotion under league rules.
Under Bischoff’s guidance, the tight end room for the Giants has not been a major strength. Despite some success in developing fourth-round selection Daniel Bellinger, the disappointing performance of Darren Waller in 2023 reflects poorly on Bischoff as well. Even though Daboll did not appear to have any plans of firing Bischoff, he also did not prevent Harbaugh from poaching him.
As the Giants’ head coach, Daboll is in the process of assembling a new staff for 2024. Perhaps he is looking for individuals who genuinely want to be a part of the team. If that is the case, there may be more major departures on the horizon, even though they have not occurred yet.
In a related development, the Seattle Seahawks interviewed Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka for their head coach position. However, the Giants exercised their contractual right to block Kafka from pursuing the opportunity. This decision highlights Kafka’s value to the Giants.
Team exercising its contractual right,” Jones explained. “Kafka clearly valued with Big Blue.”
According to a report, 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 it’s clear Mike Kafka wants out of the Giants. Adding that this is a similar predicament to Wink Martindale.
Forbes then elaborated on that opinion, stating: “When the Giants hired Mike Kafka, they made him a very highly paid O-Coordinator given his experience. When the 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 for
