The Lions are seeing a major coaching shift, but while they’ve lost some familiar faces, there’s plenty of reason for optimism with the influx of fresh talent.
This offseason, the Detroit Lions lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators as they were hired away for head coaching jobs. But that’s just the beginning of the changes, as those departing coaches also took several assistants with them for promotions. As a result, the Lions have undergone a significant staff overhaul.
But with change comes opportunity. Yes, Detroit will miss their coordinators—they were snatched up for good reason—but the new faces on this coaching staff are generating excitement.
So, the big question:
Which new Detroit Lions coach are you most excited about?
There are a few notable names that come to mind. First, John Morton is the new offensive coordinator, and while he has big shoes to fill, his success in developing Bo Nix into an NFL-caliber quarterback during his first year at Oregon stands out. Morton has also brought along former Stanford head coach David Shaw, who served as a senior personnel executive in Denver last year. Shaw will now step in as the Lions’ passing game coordinator. His vast experience and proven track record make him an exciting addition.
And then there’s Kelvin Sheppard, the new defensive coordinator. Fans are optimistic after seeing the impressive work he did with the linebackers, and his potential to elevate the defense is hard to ignore.
But for me, there’s one hire that stands out above the rest: Bruce Gradkowski. He may not have the high-profile title of Morton or Shaw, and as a result, his hiring didn’t turn as many heads. However, Gradkowski comes to Detroit after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Battlehawks, who were consistently among the best in spring league football over the past two seasons.
Though Gradkowski has only been coaching full-time for four years, he’s quickly moved up the ranks, beginning in high school and advancing through college and the pros. Now, he’s in Detroit, surrounded by great mentors, and poised to grow further as an assistant.
His early success as a coach shouldn’t come as a surprise. Gradkowski spent the latter part of his playing career as a backup for the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. To survive as a backup in places like Pittsburgh requires a deep understanding of the game, and those types of players—think of someone like Kellen Moore—often make excellent coaches.
While we may not see his contributions immediately, Gradkowski is undoubtedly on a path to eventually becoming an NFL offensive coordinator. If things don’t work out with Morton, Gradkowski could be the next Ben Johnson. But, of course, we’re all hoping we don’t have to find out that way.
Stay tuned for all updates on the Lions’ coaching changes and rumors. Which new hire excites you the most? Let us know in the comments as we continue to follow the action.
