By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s renewed search for an offensive leader points toward a familiar name gaining momentum—and the connection runs deeper than it first appears.
A Second OC Search Comes With Higher Stakes
When Ben Johnson departed Detroit to take over as head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Lions knew replacing his offensive creativity would be one of their toughest challenges of the offseason. The transition to John Morton, however, proved rocky. Concerns about philosophical alignment with head coach Dan Campbell surfaced quickly, eventually leading Campbell to reclaim play-calling duties midway through the year.
That sequence made one thing clear: the Lions can’t afford another misalignment at offensive coordinator. With expectations rising and a talented roster in place, Detroit’s next hire must blend innovation, leadership, and adaptability. This time around, Campbell appears open to casting a wider net rather than relying solely on familiar voices.
Why Tee Martin Is Emerging as an Ideal Match
As the league-wide interview cycle continues, Detroit holds a unique advantage—time and leverage. That freedom has allowed the Lions to be more aggressive and deliberate in evaluating external candidates. One name gaining traction is Tee Martin, a coach who already appears to be firmly on Detroit’s radar.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently identified Martin as the best-fit candidate for the Lions’ offensive coordinator opening, citing his quarterback development résumé and leadership profile.
“To get over the top, the Lions need more from their quarterback. With Martin as the quarterbacks coach in Baltimore, Lamar Jackson experienced three of the top four passing seasons of his career,” Gagnon wrote.
Gagnon also highlighted Martin’s readiness for a larger role, noting, “Martin has extensive experience at both the college and pro level and appears ready to take the next step at age 47. He’s also a perfect fit personality-wise as a motivational presence who has ground his way to this spot.”
Proven Development, From Lamar Jackson to Amon-Ra St. Brown
Martin’s recent work with the Baltimore Ravens stands out. Over the past three seasons as quarterbacks coach—and two years before that as wide receivers coach—he played a key role in refining Lamar Jackson’s passing efficiency while maintaining the offense’s explosive identity.
But Martin’s connection to Detroit runs even deeper. During his time at USC, he served as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach in 2018, the same season a freshman named Amon-Ra St. Brown began to make noise. That year, St. Brown posted 60 receptions for 750 yards and three touchdowns, flashing the traits that would later make him a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense.
Martin was an early believer.
“He has everything,” Martin said of St. Brown. “It’s really rare that a guy can do what he’s been able to do as a true freshman.”
That prior familiarity with one of Detroit’s offensive leaders only strengthens the case for a seamless transition.
Leadership Roots That Match Detroit’s Culture
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Martin’s football journey mirrors the grit Campbell values. A former NFL and CFL quarterback, Martin is also remembered as Peyton Manning’s successor at Tennessee, where he led the Volunteers to a national championship in 1998. His coaching career began in 2006, largely at the college level, before making a steady climb through NFL staffs.
Importantly, Martin isn’t just a theoretical fit—he’s already been interviewed. NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported Detroit’s interest on January 9, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler later confirming the interview took place earlier this week.
Momentum Is Building in Detroit’s Favor
With the Lions clearly doing their homework and Martin already in the building, this pairing feels less speculative and more intentional. Detroit is searching for stability, growth, and a fresh offensive spark—without sacrificing culture.
Tee Martin checks each of those boxes. And as the Lions look to reestablish their offensive identity, the “perfect fit” label may be more than just offseason optimism.