With the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator search intensifying during a critical offseason, one local analyst believes the right OC hire could be the difference between keeping star running back David Montgomery or sending him elsewhere.
After a 2025 campaign that saw offensive inconsistency at key moments, Lions fans and insiders alike have debated Montgomery’s role, usage, and future with the franchise. Rumors have swirled about whether Detroit could move on or even trade him in a salary-cap recalibration. But one popular local writer argues that the correct offensive coordinator hire could solidify Montgomery’s place — and change the entire narrative.
Why the OC Hire Matters So Much
Montgomery has shown he can be a powerful, physical, and reliable runner — traits that align with Detroit’s identity as a tough, pro-style offense. But his usage in 2025 was often uneven, leading to questions about scheme fit and play design.
Critics say Montgomery wasn’t featured in the right situations, while supporters point to second-half drops in opportunity and inconsistent offensive balance. The perception of his value — and whether Detroit should move forward with him — is closely tied to how well the offense is schemed around him.
That’s why the next offensive coordinator hire isn’t just about calling plays — it’s about how Montgomery is used, valued, and integrated into the offense.
The OC Candidate in Focus
The writer specifically highlighted an OC candidate with a strong reputation for:
Getting creative in the run game
Maximizing veteran RB talent
Designing gap-schemes that emphasize strength and physicality
Balancing run and pass in coordination with QB development
This candidate has a track record in past jobs of boosting rushing efficiency, sustaining long drives, and making veteran backs feel like core contributors — not ancillary pieces.
As the analyst put it:
“If Detroit wants to keep Montgomery and build around what he does best, this is the kind of coordinator who can make that vision a reality.”
That’s a powerful argument — especially in a league where running backs with Montgomery’s profile are often undervalued once they reach a certain age or salary tier.
How This Could Keep Montgomery in Detroit
A coordinator who understands how to:
Build effective blocking schemes
Vary run concepts week-to-week
Use motion, misdirection, and timing to enhance the run game
…could increase Montgomery’s efficiency, reduce offensive predictability, and address the very inconsistency that has dogged Detroit’s offense.
If Montgomery looks like a key part of a coherent, tailored offensive identity — rather than an afterthought — a trade becomes far less likely. He becomes integral.
A Cap-Friendly Offensive Identity
This hire would also resonate with front-office philosophy. Montgomery’s contract, while substantial, isn’t enormous relative to the value of a strong veteran runner when he’s used well. Locking in an OC who knows how to get the most out of that investment can make the difference between keeping him and clearing cap space elsewhere.
What This Means for Lions Fans
In the end, this angle boils down to perception and philosophy as much as numbers. Fans who love Montgomery want assurance he’ll be used consistently and effectively. A well-matched offensive coordinator could provide that assurance — and keep him in Detroit for the foreseeable future.
Whether Detroit ultimately hires this specific candidate or someone with a similar philosophy, the message from this writer is clear:
The right OC hire doesn’t just shape play-calling — it shapes rosters, identities, and futures.
And for Montgomery’s future in Detroit, that could mean everything.
Lions Writer Names OC Candidate Who Could Keep David Montgomery Off the Trade Block
