The Detroit Lions are officially in the market for a new offensive coordinator, and the search is quickly becoming one of the most important storylines of the 2026 offseason.
After moving on from John Morton following just one season, head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes are now tasked with finding the next architect of an offense that features Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta.
Detroit is expected to cast a wide net, and history suggests many interviews will happen quietly before a final decision is made. Still, several notable names have already emerged.
Confirmed and Reported OC Candidates
*Note: Article links below are ordered from oldest to newest.
David Blough (Former Commanders Assistant QB Coach)
Report: Detroit Lions Begin OC Search With ‘Sneaky Hot Name’
Surprise Interview Gives MAJOR HINT About Dan Campbell’s Plan for 2026
Detroit Lions Lose Out as David Blough Lands OC Job Elsewhere
Mike McDaniel (Former Dolphins Head Coach)
Stunning NFL Move May Have Solved Detroit Lions’ OC Problem
Report: Detroit Lions Reach Out To Mike McDaniel About OC Opening
Detroit Lions No Longer Alone in Chase for Mike McDaniel
UPDATE: Mike McDaniel will interview with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, January 13, per Ian Rapoport
Latest Report on Mike McDaniel Is Music to Detroit Lions Fans’ Ears
Viral Photo Confirms Mike McDaniel Was in Detroit for Lions OC Talks
Jake Peetz (Seahawks Passing Game Coordinator)
Detroit Lions to Interview Jake Peetz for OC Job
Tee Martin (Ravens Quarterbacks Coach)
Big-Time Offensive Mind Enters the Detroit Lions’ Offensive Coordinator Search
Mike Kafka (Former Giants OC)
Report: Mike Kafka to Interview with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday
Zac Robinson (Former Falcons OC)
Report: Zac Robinson Headed to Detroit for Key Interview
Pros and Cons of the Detroit Lions Hiring Zac Robinson as OC
Arthur Smith (Steelers OC)
Detroit Lions Request to Interview Former HC Competition for Dan Campbell
Steelers Could Throw Major Wrench Into Detroit Lions’ OC Search
Other Relevant Articles
3 In-House Offensive Coordinator Candidates the Detroit Lions Should Consider
5 Out-of-House Offensive Coordinator Candidates the Detroit Lions Should Consider
How the Lions Are Approaching the Search
Dan Campbell has previously said that when Detroit fills coordinator roles, the process is far more extensive than what becomes public. In past cycles, the Lions conducted more than two dozen interviews, with only a fraction reported by national insiders.
That means additional candidates, both internal and external, are almost certainly being vetted behind the scenes.
The priority is clear:
- A leader who can command the room
- A strong teacher for Jared Goff and the young skill talent
- A schemer who can evolve the offense without losing its physical identity
What to Watch Next
The Lions could move quickly, especially with other teams also competing for offensive minds during a busy hiring cycle.
Until a hire is made, this tracker will continue to monitor:
- New OC candidates linked to Detroit
- Completed interviews
- Finalists and second-round meetings
- The eventual hiring decision
The Lions’ Super Bowl window is open. Who they choose to run the offense in 2026 could be one of the most important decisions of the entire offseason.
