The Detroit Lions currently searching for a new offensive coordinator suffered a setback this week — they reportedly lost out on a rising assistant coach they were interested in, as that coach accepted a different NFL offensive coordinator role. �
Heavy Sports +1
According to NFL insider reports, Detroit had shown “real interest” in former Lions quarterback and rising assistant coach David Blough as a candidate for their open offensive coordinator position. � Blough, who spent two seasons as an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Washington Commanders, was seen league-wide as one of the youngest and brightest offensive minds in the coaching ranks — and the Lions reportedly wanted to bring him back home. �
Heavy Sports
Heavy Sports
However, that opportunity slipped through Detroit’s fingers when the Washington Commanders promoted Blough to offensive coordinator instead. �
The Washington Post
💥 Who Is David Blough?
Blough’s story is notable for how quickly he has risen through the NFL coaching ranks. After retiring from playing in 2023, he began coaching with the Commanders and quickly gained a reputation as a bright and innovative young assistant. � He also has history with Detroit — Blough played parts of his NFL career with the Lions and was even on Detroit’s practice squad late in his playing days. �
Heavy Sports
Pride Of Detroit
Lions fans had reason to feel optimistic about linking Blough to the OC search. His familiarity with the offense, comfort with quarterback play, and innovative approach made him a compelling continuity candidate — someone who could preserve what worked in Detroit while adding fresh ideas. �
Pride Of Detroit
🚨 What This Means for Detroit’s OC Search
Detroit currently finds itself searching for offensive coordinator leadership after letting go of John Morton following a 9–8 season that fell short of expectations. � The missed chance to bring Blough back complicates matters for a team hoping to settle on a new leader under center — someone connected to the Lions’ offensive identity but capable of pushing the game plan forward.
Roundtable.io Network
The Lions have shown interest in other potential candidates, including veteran assistants and offensive minds like former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, who was recently contacted by Detroit — though no interview has been confirmed yet. � There are also reports that Seattle’s Jake Peetz is interviewing for Detroit’s OC vacancy. �
Pride Of Detroit
Field Gulls
Missing out on Blough means Detroit now has one less youthful, continuity-focused option in a crowded coaching market — and they’ll need to adjust their strategy as other teams around the league also pursue top assistants.
🔎 A Growing Coaching Coach Market
The trend of assistants quickly earning promotions — from coordinators to head coaches — reflects both the demand for innovative minds and the way successful staffs are continually poached across the NFL. This year has been no different: the Lions already saw former OC Ben Johnson become a head coach, and several positions on their staff have drawn interest from other teams. �
reddit.com
For Detroit, the coaching carousel means decisions have to be made quickly and decisively. Getting beat to a sought-after candidate like Blough underscores how competitive the market can be — and how crucial this OC decision will be for the Lions’ offensive future.
Report: Detroit Loses Out on Top OC Target After Interest in Rising Assistant
