The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff is once again drawing attention across the NFL.
On Friday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they have completed an interview with Lions Passing Game Coordinator David Shaw for their vacant offensive coordinator position, confirming that one of Detroit’s most experienced offensive minds is officially on the league’s radar.
Shaw joined Dan Campbell’s staff in 2025 after spending more than two decades in coaching, highlighted by an extremely successful run as Stanford’s head coach from 2011–2022. During that stretch, Shaw became the winningest coach in school history, captured three Pac-12 championships, and built a national reputation for quarterback development, physical offensive identity, and program culture.
Before returning to the NFL with Detroit, Shaw also logged assistant coaching stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, giving him deep professional experience to go along with his college résumé. He most recently served as a personnel advisor with the Denver Broncos before re-entering coaching with the Lions.
We've completed interviews with David Shaw, Detroit Lions Passing Game Coordinator, and Israel Woolfork, Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks Coach, for our offensive coordinator position.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 10, 2026
From a Detroit perspective, Shaw’s interview is both a compliment and a potential concern. It reinforces that the Lions’ offensive infrastructure, from Dan Campbell’s leadership to the staff assembled around him, is viewed league-wide as a pipeline for future coordinators and head coaches. At the same time, it underscores that Detroit may soon need to prepare for possible staff turnover if teams continue pulling from Campbell’s tree.
Tampa Bay is searching for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with its previous play-caller, and Shaw’s blend of quarterback development, pro experience, and head-coaching pedigree makes him a logical candidate. The Buccaneers also interviewed Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, indicating a wide-ranging search that includes both rising assistants and seasoned leaders.
For the Lions, Shaw’s rising profile is another sign that their staff is being taken seriously around the league. Whether he ultimately lands the job or not, Detroit once again finds itself in the position of being a talent incubator, not just for players, but for coaches.
