The Lions are back on the hunt for an offensive coordinator, searching for answers after moving on from John Morton just one season later. With Detroit’s offense at a crossroads, the next hire could shape the team’s identity moving forward.
The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator search has quickly become one of the more intriguing sagas of the NFL coaching carousel, as the franchise seeks its second OC in two years. With a variety of candidates bringing disparate resumes, from established play-callers to innovative offensive minds. Here’s a closer look at the leading candidates and what they bring to the table:
Zac Robinson — Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons
Zac Robinson, currently the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, is among the newest Lions interviewees. The former NFL quarterback transitioned into coaching in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent five seasons rising from assistant quarterbacks coach to pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Sean McVay. While at the Rams he worked closely with quarterbacks such as Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford, helping craft productive passing attacks. Robinson was hired as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator in 2024, compiling mixed results but still showcasing his versatility as a play designer. A Super Bowl LVI ring from his Rams tenure and experience in both the run and pass game make him an appealing young offensive mind.
At 39, Robinson pairs West Coast principles with adaptability, a potential fit for Detroit’s quarterback and offensive personnel and brings direct coaching experience with Jared Goff.
Arthur Smith — Offensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers
Arthur Smith’s path to Detroit would be unconventional but notable. After a long tenure with the Tennessee Titans, including a productive stint as their offensive coordinator crafting powerful rushing attacks, Smith ascended to NFL head coach with the Falcons in 2021. His head coaching run in Atlanta was underwhelming, with three straight 7–10 seasons and no playoff appearances, leading to his dismissal in 2024.
Smith rebounded by taking over as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he’s emphasized a balanced attack blending ground-and-pound concepts with play-action elements. Reports indicate league-wide interest in Smith as a head coaching candidate again, with teams such as the Arizona Cardinals requesting interviews in the current cycle.
Smith’s broad NFL experience, from quality control coach to coordinator, to head coach, and track record developing physical offenses could make him a veteran option capable of steadying Detroit’s scheme.
Mike Kafka — Interim Head Coach/OC, New York Giants
Mike Kafka’s rise in the coaching ranks has been swift. After a five-year NFL playing career as a quarterback, Kafka entered the coaching world under Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City before joining Brian Daboll’s staff with the New York Giants as offensive coordinator. In the 2025 season, Kafka took on interim head coaching duties after Daboll’s firing, and while the Giants went 2–5 under his leadership, his offensive adjustments drew league attention.
Kafka’s offensive philosophy leans toward aggression and adaptability, incorporating a strong running game with creative passing concepts. His dual experience as both OC and interim HC positions him as a candidate who understands not just play-calling but quarterback development and game management.
Mike McDaniel — Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
One of the most talked-about offensive minds in recent years, Mike McDaniel brings a track record of innovation. McDaniel stepped into the Dolphins head coaching role in 2022 after extensive experience under Kyle Shanahan in Washington and San Francisco. His Miami offenses peaked in the top tier of the league with dynamic passing and rushing balance, though struggles and injuries in the 2024 and 2025 seasons contributed to his firing.
McDaniel’s resume includes four seasons as Miami’s head coach, two of which produced back-to-back playoff trips, a rarity for the franchise and years of developing zone run schemes and motion-based passing attacks. His offensive creativity and ability to maximize skill-position talent could make him a transformational coordinator addition.
Jake Peetz — Passing Game Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Finally, Jake Peetz offers a wealth of experience as Seattle’s passing game coordinator. Peetz’s coaching journey spans the NFL and college ranks: stints with the Rams, Panthers, Raiders, and LSU, plus time under Nick Saban at Alabama, have given him a broad offensive perspective. In Seattle he’s been credited with helping quarterbacks and crafting effective aerial schemes that complement balanced rushing attacks.
Peetz’s deep background in multiple offensive systems and player development gives him strong appeal as a coordinator, particularly for a Lions offense that thrives on quarterback creativity and scoring efficiency.
As the Lions’ OC search unfolds, front office and coaching leadership will have to weigh experience vs. innovation, play design vs. player development, and each candidate’s fit within Detroit’s identity as a high-octane offense. With each of these five bringing unique strengths, the eventual hire could shape the Lions’ offensive direction for years to come