By Sunday 
Subheading: A quiet offseason tug-of-war unfolds behind the scenes.
The NFL offseason isn’t just about blockbuster trades and splashy free-agent signings. Sometimes, the real drama plays out in the fine print — and this time, it involved the , the , and a rising assistant coach named .
According to Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, Miami requested permission to interview Gradkowski for their quarterbacks coach opening. Detroit’s answer? A firm no.
Why the Lions Could Say No
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Gradkowski is under contract with the Lions as an offensive assistant. Because the Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach role was considered a lateral move — not a promotion — Detroit had every right to deny the request. And they did.
In today’s NFL, teams fiercely protect promising assistants. Development isn’t just for players anymore — it’s for coaches too. If the Lions see long-term upside in Gradkowski, keeping him in-house makes strategic sense.
Miami’s Backup Plan
After being denied access, Miami pivoted and hired to fill the role on head coach ’s staff.
Hackett brings experience, but the initial interest in Gradkowski tells you something: Miami clearly sees value in the former NFL quarterback’s trajectory.
Gradkowski’s Journey Back to the League
Gradkowski’s résumé isn’t theoretical. He played 37 NFL games with 20 starts, suiting up for the Buccaneers, Browns, Raiders, Bengals, and Steelers before his playing career ended in 2014.
More recently, he served as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the spring league during the 2023–24 seasons. That stint helped rebuild his coaching profile before he joined Detroit during the 2025 offseason.
And now? He’s valuable enough that another team came knocking.
What This Really Signals
This may seem minor in February, but moves like this matter.
When a team blocks an interview request, it sends a message: We believe in this coach.
The Lions aren’t just building a roster — they’re building continuity within their coaching ranks. Stability has become part of Detroit’s identity over the last few seasons, and protecting promising assistants fits that blueprint.
For Miami, it’s a reminder that even in the NFL’s coaching carousel, you can’t always get who you want.
Sometimes, the door simply doesn’t open.