Every offensive coordinator in the NFL loses sleep when Micah Parsons is coming to town.
For the New York Giants’ Tim Kelly, elevated to the position this week by interim head coach Mike Kafka, a good night of rest was already off the table as he balances his new duties while continuing to coach the tight ends.
“Yeah, a little less sleep for me,” Kelly told reporters Thursday. “That’s really it. There’s enough time in the day.”
Kafka, promoted from OC to interim coach after Monday’s firing of Brian Daboll, will continue to call the plays as the Giants (2-8) prepare to host Parsons and the Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
Kelly, 39, said he will be more involved with the “totality of the game plan” from now on.
“Previously more focused on the run game,” he said. “But now being able to go and figure out how we want to be able to attack opponents in the pass game also. Making sure tying everything together and doing everything we can for Coach Kafka to kind of set the table. He’s got a little bit more on his plate now, too.”
The Giants also have a new starting quarterback this week in veteran Jameis Winston.
Kelly, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans (2019-21) and Tennessee Titans (2023), said the offense is in good hands with Winston.
“I’m not going to break into song,” Kelly said. “… When you’re around him and you see him prepare, he was here last night until God knows when. Making sure he felt good with the game plan and taking input and things along those lines. He’s preparing like the pro he is and he’s getting ready to go out and lead this team.”
Kelly said he expects to keep coaching from the sidelines and not work out of the booth.
As for Parsons, Kelly said the Giants just have to play smart football.
“He’s as disruptive a pass rusher and defensive player as we’ve seen,” Kelly said. “Fortunately for us, I think we have two pretty good tackles. So, we’re going to have to pick our spots there and do a good job of making sure he doesn’t wreck the game. But being smart in terms of making sure we’re not compromising either aspect there.”
