After missing the 2025 NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions are determined to move past last season’s disappointment. While the coaching staff is working to reshape the team’s future, one member of the coaching staff made a notable career move.

Ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the Lions' passing game coordinator, Mike Kafka, is set to participate in the 2026 NFL accelerator program, as reported by Jeremy Reisman of the Pride of Detroit. 

“Just networking and meeting a lot of the coaches that are here,” Kafka told NFL Network. “Then we’re breaking down into workshops and talking about media and things that come up in these interviews. So, it’s all great information--it’s all great ways to continue to improve as a coach.”

Published in a report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kafka will be attending the NFL accelerator program on Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, in Orlando, Florida. 

As per the NFL, an accelerator program refers to an annual submit which helps the less experienced coaches to make connections for advancement in their coaching career.

Kafka joined the Lions on January 26, 2026, as a successor of David Shaw, who transitioned to a new role as the passing game specialist for the Detroit Lions.

Attending the accelerator program is not new for Kafka, who joined it while previously working as the offensive coordinator with the New York Giants in 2024. 

“This year, the program has both downsized the number of participants and expanded its reach beyond minority candidates,” Reisman wrote. “They have also narrowed their focus from up-and-coming coaches and executives to candidates they view as more ready to take the jump now.”

Because his mother is Puerto Rican, Mike Kafka qualifies as a minority candidate under the NFL’s Rooney Rule. After strong performances as the New York Giants' offensive coordinator, he nearly secured the New Orleans Saints head coaching job before the team chose Kellen Moore.

For Kafka, this could mean that he might see more head coaching opportunities in 2027.

Detroit Lions Have Faced the Threat of Losing Mike Kafka

Kafka arrived in Detroit at a crucial time when the Lions' fans were hesitant about offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's hiring. The excitement surrounding Kafka’s arrival largely came from his ability to improve the run game and offensive line, two weaknesses for the Lions last season.

However, the excitement soon got dampened as an ESPN analyst viewed Kafka as Klint Kubiak's replacement in the Seattle Seahawks.

"Some people I've talked to here in San Francisco think Seattle coach Mike Macdonald will want to keep a similar, Kubiak-style system in place," wrote ESPN's Fowler. "Seattle was very impressed with Mike Kafka during head coach interviews two years ago. He's now a senior assistant in Detroit and could be a name to watch."

Even though the Seattle talks closed after the Seahawks hired Brian Fleury, Kafka remains a strong candidate in the coaching market.

He spent five seasons in key offensive coaching roles with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him valuable Super Bowl experience before his latest move.

What do you think about Kafka attending the NFL accelerator program? Share your thoughts.

Read more at Detroit Lions Community.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar