Following the Detroit Lions’ surprise exit in the postseason at the hands of the Washington Commanders, the Lions coaching staff has experienced significant turnover, with teams around the NFL hiring their assistant coaches for more prominent roles. However, on Thursday, the organization received some positive news that fans could get excited about. With the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who took the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, concerns about the Lions’ offensive performance next season have arisen. Despite this, it’s noteworthy that over the past two seasons, the Lions offense has consistently ranked in the top five for yards throughout the regular season.
New offensive coordinator John Morton has a considerable challenge ahead in maintaining the Lions’ elite offensive performance. Fortunately, he has received support that may prove crucial in this endeavor. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Stanford head coach David Shaw has joined the Lions coaching staff as the team’s passing game coordinator.
Former Stanford head coach David Shaw and the #Lions have agreed to terms on a multiyear deal to hire him as passing game coordinator, per sources.
Shaw, 52, has worked with new OC John Morton before. A big hire for Dan Campbell’s remodeled staff. pic.twitter.com/Ro4z3HhWyd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2025
While Shaw is primarily recognized for his success in college football, he has recently returned to the NFL scene as a senior personnel executive with the Denver Broncos this past season. Although he hasn’t coached on an NFL sideline since 2005—when he served as the wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Ravens—his experience and development since then are significant. Although this role is not a head coaching position, which he interviewed for earlier this offseason, it represents a substantial step back into a key coaching role with a promising team like the Lions, which is heartening to see.
