Lions Hire Bruce Gradkowski as New Offensive Assistant Coach
The Detroit Lions are adding another former NFL player to their coaching staff, with reports confirming the hiring of Bruce Gradkowski as an offensive assistant. Gradkowski, who played a decade in the NFL as a backup quarterback for several teams—including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers—has now transitioned to coaching.
While he hasn’t coached at the NFL level, Gradkowski gained some experience at the high school level and served as an offensive analyst for his alma mater, the University of Toledo, in 2022. Most recently, he was the offensive coordinator for the UFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks in 2023.
His arrival fills a void on the Lions’ coaching staff after several departures, including wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, both of whom joined the Chicago Bears. Tight ends coach Steve Heiden and passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand also moved on to join former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s staff with the New York Jets.
Gradkowski’s addition brings another experienced voice with a player’s perspective to the Lions’ new-look coaching team under offensive coordinator John Morton. Head coach Dan Campbell, who values coaching staff with strong playing backgrounds, will likely benefit from Gradkowski’s insight as the Lions continue to build on their promising trajectory.
Detroit Lions Strengthen Staff with Hiring of Veteran NFL QB as Offensive Assistant
