By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s offensive coordinator search hits an unexpected speed bump as a top candidate draws head-coaching interest elsewhere.
The Detroit Lions entered the offseason knowing one major item sat at the top of their to-do list: finding the right offensive coordinator to help steer the franchise back toward playoff contention. That search, however, just became more complicated.
A coach many around the league — and within Detroit’s fan base — viewed as a dream solution may now be drifting out of reach.
A Vacancy That Was Always Coming
The Lions officially moved on from offensive coordinator John Morton on January 6 after just one season. While the move raised eyebrows externally, it wasn’t a shock inside the building. Head coach Dan Campbell handled offensive play-calling duties for much of the year, a reality that made Morton’s exit feel inevitable.
Following Detroit’s season-ending 19–16 win over the Chicago Bears, Campbell addressed whether he would continue calling plays in 2026.
“I’m open to anything. I don’t know exactly where I’m at with that yet,” Campbell said. “I mean I guess one of the good things if I did do that, you don’t have to worry about somebody else leaving. You don’t have to worry about your play-caller leaving. So, that would be one of the perks of it.”
Campbell also emphasized that no decision has been made.
“Listen, I’m going to think through all of that, and I think I really want to do what I feel is best for the team,” he said. “If I believe that’s what’s best for us and I feel good about it, then I will. If I just feel like, ‘Eh,’ then I won’t do it.”
Those comments made it clear: Detroit is still searching for the right fit.
Mike McDaniel’s Rising Market Complicates Things
One name quickly emerged as a favorite for the Lions’ offensive coordinator opening — former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. When Miami parted ways with McDaniel on January 8, speculation about a potential Detroit landing spot intensified.
McDaniel’s offensive creativity and reputation as one of the league’s sharpest schematic minds made him an ideal candidate to step into an OC role without the pressures of being a head coach.
That optimism took a hit on January 15.
The Baltimore Ravens announced they had formally interviewed McDaniel for their head coaching vacancy — a development that changes the calculus for Detroit.
If McDaniel is offered a chance to run his own team again, it would be difficult for any coordinator position, even one as appealing as Detroit’s, to compete.
Why the Lions Still Aren’t Completely Out
Despite the discouraging headline, Detroit hasn’t been shut out of the McDaniel sweepstakes.
The Lions have already interviewed McDaniel for their offensive coordinator opening, according to The Detroit News. He’s also scheduled to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ OC position, showing just how much demand exists for his services.
There’s also a key detail keeping hope alive. According to Greg Auman, McDaniel views the hierarchy of opportunities carefully.
“He would consider a great OC opportunity better than a not-great head coaching vacancy.”
That nuance matters. While the Ravens’ job is undeniably attractive, it doesn’t automatically remove Detroit from the conversation. If McDaniel believes the Lions offer a stronger football situation, clearer vision, or better long-term stability, the door remains open.
What This Means for Detroit’s Offseason
Still, the update stings. McDaniel was widely viewed as a best-case scenario — a proven offensive architect who could modernize the system while allowing Campbell to focus on the bigger picture.
Now, the Lions may need to prepare for alternative outcomes.
Whether that means pivoting to another candidate or Campbell ultimately keeping play-calling duties himself, Detroit’s offensive future remains fluid. What’s clear is that the Lions are once again competing not just on the field, but in the coaching market — a sign of a franchise that’s no longer an afterthought.
Even if this particular dream target slips away, the Lions’ search is far from over.