When Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke about the team’s ongoing offensive coordinator search, he didn’t name names — but he didn’t have to.
Between the phrasing he used, the way he framed internal continuity versus outside ideas, and what we know about how the Lions operate under Holmes and Dan Campbell, three clear candidates stand out as the most likely fits for the job.
Holmes’ comments were careful, measured, and revealing if you read between the lines.
What Brad Holmes Actually Said — And Why It Matters
Holmes emphasized three key themes when discussing the OC search:
Alignment with the current offensive identity
Strong collaboration with Dan Campbell
Ability to evolve, not overhaul, the system
That combination immediately narrows the field. Detroit isn’t looking for a splashy reset or a schematic revolution. They want someone who can preserve what worked, fix what didn’t, and keep Jared Goff comfortable while the offense transitions into its next phase.
That’s why three names loom large.
Name No. 1: David Blough (QB Coach, Lions)
If continuity is the priority, David Blough checks nearly every box.
Blough has:
Worked closely with Jared Goff
Been deeply involved in game planning
Earned trust inside the building
Helped manage in-game adjustments throughout the season
Holmes’ emphasis on familiarity and internal growth strongly points in Blough’s direction. Promoting from within would keep terminology, structure, and quarterback comfort intact — something the Lions value highly after seeing offensive instability derail seasons in the past.
This would be the safest option, but not necessarily the weakest.
Name No. 2: Jake Peetz (Seattle Passing Game Coordinator)
Holmes also stressed the importance of new ideas that still fit Detroit’s DNA — and that’s where Jake Peetz enters the picture.
Detroit has already scheduled a meeting with Peetz, and that alone speaks volumes. Peetz brings:
A modern passing-game background
Experience with multiple QB styles
A reputation as a strong teacher and developer
He represents the middle ground: not a total outsider, but not an internal promotion either. If the Lions want to freshen the passing attack while keeping the run-heavy foundation intact, Peetz fits the profile Holmes described almost perfectly.
Name No. 3: A Former QB With System Familiarity
Holmes’ comments about communication, quarterback empathy, and adaptability subtly point toward a former NFL quarterback — someone who understands the position from the inside and can translate concepts quickly.
That’s why multiple league sources have connected former Lions QBs to the search, even if no official announcements have been made. Holmes values coaches who can:
Speak Goff’s language
Diagnose defenses in real time
Adjust without overcomplicating things
That’s not accidental wording. It narrows the candidate pool significantly.
What This Says About Detroit’s Direction
The biggest takeaway from Holmes’ answer isn’t who he mentioned — it’s who he didn’t.
There was no talk of:
Radical philosophical change
A reset of the offensive identity
Bringing in a “big name” just for optics
Detroit believes its window is still open. The OC hire is about refinement, not reinvention.
Whether it’s Blough, Peetz, or a former QB with ties to the system, the Lions are clearly prioritizing:
Stability
Continuity
Growth without disruption
Final Thought
Brad Holmes didn’t list candidates — but his answer made it clear this search is already narrowing. The clues are there, and the shortlist is coming into focus.
Three names fit his description better than anyone else.
And sooner rather than later, one of them will be calling plays in Detroit.
Brad Holmes Just Gave the Clearest Hint Yet About the Lions’ Next OC
