The Detroit Lions are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator after Ben Johnson’s departure, and several names are already being discussed as potential replacements. With head coach Dan Campbell at the helm, the team’s identity is strong, and finding the right person to fill this critical role is essential. Here’s a closer look at some of the candidates, starting with a few familiar faces already on the Lions’ staff.

 

Kerryon Montgomery

 

Montgomery, who knows the Lions’ roster inside and out, has been a significant figure on the coaching staff for years. He was considered for the offensive coordinator role two years ago, and now, he seems even more prepared to step in and keep the momentum going.

 

Head coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of Montgomery’s growth as a coach, saying, “There’s a ton of things I’ve done with him behind the scenes, but also in front of the team. There’s a number of things that he’ll install for us, not only offensively, but there will be some things that he does in front of the team. And so, wherever I can take that a little bit, I will. He’s very comfortable with those guys, the team’s comfortable with him. He does a good job of presenting things and he’s smart, he’s driven, he’s outstanding.”

 

Tanner Engstrand

 

Tanner Engstrand, the Lions’ passing game coordinator, is a name often mentioned when discussing internal candidates for Johnson’s replacement. Though many fans may not recognize him, there’s a certain mystique about Engstrand, as the Lions seem to have been grooming him for a larger role since his arrival in 2020.

 

Engstrand began his coaching career in 2005 as a graduate assistant under Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego. After spending over a decade at USD, he reconnected with Harbaugh at the University of Michigan. He later worked with the DC Defenders before joining Matt Patricia’s staff in Detroit. When Campbell took over, Engstrand was retained and became instrumental in play-calling after Anthony Lynn’s dismissal. He later transitioned to the role of passing game coordinator, focusing on the bigger picture of the Lions’ offensive strategy.

 

Quarterback Jared Goff praised Engstrand, saying, “Yeah, Tanner’s been awesome, man. He’s passing coordinator, PGC is what we call him, and he’s been great and brings different ideas to Ben—brings different thoughts. I’m able to ask him questions that he can answer instead of hogging Ben down with more. I can kind of go to Tanner with some of that stuff, and he’s been extremely helpful for me.”

 

Hank Fraley

 

As the Lions’ offensive line coach, Hank Fraley has played a key role in building one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines. Fraley joined the Lions seven seasons ago and was promoted to his current role in 2020. When Campbell took over in 2021, Taylor Decker made a personal plea to keep Fraley, which turned out to be one of the regime’s best decisions.

 

Fraley’s influence extends beyond coaching technique—he’s also a vital contributor to the Lions’ weekly rushing game plans. Center Frank Ragnow spoke highly of him, saying, “I’ve been blessed to have Hank my entire career. I’ve said it multiple times, but (it’s) just the biggest blessing ever. He’s a heck of a coach, and the fact that he played center in this league for such a long time has been such a blessing.”

 

Fraley recently interviewed for an offensive coordinator position with the Seahawks, which indicates other teams are noticing his coaching talents.

 

Josh McCown

 

Josh McCown, currently the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings, has a long history in football. While McCown and Campbell haven’t worked together as coaches, both were teammates on the 2006 Lions roster. McCown’s NFL career spanned from 2002 to 2020 before he transitioned into coaching.

 

His coaching journey began with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, where he worked with rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Despite the team’s struggles, McCown landed a job with the Vikings under Kevin O’Connell, where he played a significant role in revitalizing Sam Darnold’s career.

 

Though still early in his coaching career, McCown has already interviewed for a head coaching position with the Jets, showcasing his potential to rise quickly in the NFL ranks.

 

Marcus Brady

 

Marcus Brady, the Chargers’ passing game coordinator, is another intriguing candidate. A former Canadian Football League quarterback, Brady transitioned into coaching after winning three Grey Cups—two as a wide receivers coach and one as an offensive coordinator. He later joined the NFL, working with Frank Reich on the Colts’ coaching staff before taking on roles with the Eagles and Chargers.

 

Brady’s coaching philosophy blends physicality in the trenches with West Coast offensive principles. His ability to adapt, shown by his success with Jim Harbaugh’s run-first style in Los Angeles, makes him a versatile option for the Lions.

 

Nick Caley

 

Currently the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams, Nick Caley is a lesser-known but highly regarded candidate. Caley spent years learning the New England offensive system before transitioning to Los Angeles in 2023. The Patriots reportedly offered him a lucrative contract to return in 2024, but he declined in favor of a promotion with the Rams.

 

If the Lions express interest, it would mark the third consecutive offseason in which Caley has been a target for offensive coordinator roles.

 

Klint Kubiak

 

Klint Kubiak, the Saints’ offensive coordinator and son of legendary coach Gary Kubiak, has an impressive coaching resume. After starting his career at Texas A&M, he climbed the ranks in the NFL, serving as a quarterbacks coach, passing game coordinator, and offensive coordinator for teams like the Vikings, Broncos, and 49ers.

 

Although Kubiak is still under contract with the Saints, they’ve granted him permission to interview for other roles. He’s reportedly a top candidate for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator opening.

 

 

 

Other Familiar Names

 

A few other names have surfaced in discussions about the Lions’ offensive coordinator vacancy, but they’re less likely to be serious contenders.

 

Duce Staley (Browns RB coach): Part of Campbell’s original staff, Staley left Detroit amicably. Despite his departure, he remains respected within the organization.

 

David Blough (Commanders assistant QB coach): A former Lions quarterback, Blough is still early in his coaching career but could be a future option if Mark Brunell moves on.

 

Byron Leftwich (former Bucs OC): Leftwich has been out of coaching for two years, raising questions about his readiness for a role like this.

 

Frank Reich (former Panthers HC): Though Reich struggled as a head coach recently, his offensive expertise remains highly regarded.

 

Josh McDaniels (former Raiders HC): McDaniels has excelled as an offensive coordinator in the past, but his cultural fit in Detroit could be a concern.

 

Chip Kelly (Ohio State OC): Known for his innovative offensive mind, Kelly’s history as a head coach complicates his potential return to the NFL.

 

 

 

 

The Lions’ Path Forward

 

The Lions have several strong candidates to choose from, both internally and externally. Whether Campbell opts for someone familiar with the current system or brings in fresh ideas, the next offensive coordinator will have big shoes to fill but also a talented roster to work with.

 

As the Lions prepare for another chapter, the decision they make here could define the team’s offensive

identity for years to come.

 

 

 

 

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