By Moses Joshua 
Why a former Lions quarterback is suddenly climbing Detroit’s short list after a turbulent season
The 2025 season ended with more questions than answers in Detroit, and none loom larger than who will be handed the keys to the Lions’ offense next fall. Just two days after the finale, Dan Campbell moved on from offensive coordinator John Morton, signaling a full-scale reset.
Now, an unexpected name is generating real momentum inside league circles — and it’s one Lions fans know well.
The “Sneaky Hot” Candidate You Didn’t See Coming
According to NFL media, the Lions’ OC search has begun with an eyebrow-raising option: former Detroit quarterback David Blough.
“The #Lions have started off their OC search with an intriguing name: David Blough, a former Detroit QB,” the report stated. “Blough was assistant QBs coach with the #Commanders, but did the QB coach job after Tavita Pritchard left. A sneaky hot name.”
For a franchise searching for fresh ideas without losing its cultural DNA, Blough represents an unusual blend of familiarity and upside.
From Practice Squad to Playbook Architect?
Blough’s story is one of persistence and quiet growth. He played in Detroit from 2019 through 2021, returned again in 2023, and spent time grinding on the practice squad. He wasn’t a star under center, but he was respected in the locker room for his preparation and football IQ.
After retiring in early 2024, Blough immediately jumped into coaching with the Washington Commanders as their assistant quarterbacks coach. By December, after Tavita Pritchard departed, he was promoted to interim quarterbacks coach — a rapid rise that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
He also carries the influence of former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who coached Blough previously in Arizona, giving him exposure to multiple offensive philosophies at a young age.
Why Campbell Is Hitting the Brakes — On Purpose
Campbell made it clear he isn’t rushing this hire, even with pressure mounting after a disappointing year.
“I don’t want to make any decisions that I’m not prepared to really think through. So, I’m going to need a little bit here. I’m going to need a few days to really think about this and deep dive some areas,” Campbell said.
The Lions’ next OC will inherit a complicated situation: a reshuffled offensive line, a run game that regressed sharply in 2025, and a locker room still recalibrating after a lost playoff run.
“What I believe is best for this team, I will do,” Campbell added. “I think as far as doing things, some of it is a little bit like I want to get back to some of the things we were doing a couple of years ago.”
That comment may be the biggest clue of all — a desire to return to fundamentals, player development, and system cohesion rather than chasing the next trendy name.
Why Blough Makes Sense — Even If It Feels Early
On paper, David Blough doesn’t scream “offensive coordinator.” He’s young. He’s inexperienced at the top level. But he knows Detroit, he understands the quarterback room from the inside out, and he’s already earned trust in another building.
More importantly, he embodies what Campbell is hinting at: a back-to-basics approach, heavy on teaching, accountability, and relationship-building.
“This is going to be a good training camp for us. We’re going to go back and really sharpen the sword a little bit,” Campbell said. “I think that’s the big thing.”
Blough may not end up being the hire — but the fact that his name is already circulating says a lot about where Detroit’s mindset is heading.
They’re not just looking for a coordinator.
They’re looking for someone who understands the grind.