As the Detroit Lions continue to rise, the rest of the NFL is taking notice—and that attention is showing up in the form of interviews, hires and aggressive staff moves across the league.
The Detroit Lions continue to be one of the NFL’s most active teams this offseason, not only reshaping their roster but also navigating a wave of coaching changes and interviews across the league. The most significant move came with the hiring of Drew Petzing as the team’s new offensive coordinator, but Detroit’s staff additions and the interest shown in several Lions assistants further underscore the organization’s growing reputation.
The Lions announced this week that former New York Giants offensive coordinator and interim head coach Mike Kafka has joined the staff in a high-ranking offensive role. Kafka brings a diverse NFL background and a steady rise through the coaching ranks, making him a notable addition to Dan Campbell’s staff.
Kafka, 38, has spent the past five seasons coaching in the NFL after beginning his career as a graduate assistant at Northwestern. He entered the professional ranks with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, initially serving as an offensive quality control coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach and later passing game coordinator. During his time in Kansas City, Kafka worked closely with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and was part of multiple deep playoff runs, including a Super Bowl victory.
In 2022, Kafka was hired as the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator, where he also took on the title of assistant head coach. He oversaw an offense that showed early promise and helped guide the Giants to a playoff appearance in his first season. Kafka’s leadership responsibilities expanded further in 2025, when he was named interim head coach late in the season. His résumé has made him a finalist for multiple head coaching vacancies in recent years, and his move to Detroit provides an opportunity to collaborate with Campbell while continuing to build his profile.
While Detroit adds to its staff, several Lions assistants remain in demand around the league. The Miami Dolphins interviewed Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for their head coaching vacancy before ultimately hiring Jeff Haley.
The Baltimore Ravens have requested permission to interview Lions assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery for their open offensive coordinator position. Montgomery has been a key figure on Campbell’s staff for the past three seasons, holding senior roles and earning praise for his leadership and player development. A former NFL wide receiver, Montgomery has extensive coaching experience at both the college and professional levels, including previous stints as a head coach at East Carolina and as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Detroit, he has been credited with helping stabilize the wide receivers room and serving as a trusted voice within the locker room.
Detroit has also worked to maintain continuity on the defensive side of the ball. Jim O’Neil, who interviewed with the New York Jets for their defensive coordinator opening, has agreed to remain with the Lions. O’Neil’s return helps preserve stability within a defense that showed growth late in the season.
In the front office, Lions chief operating officer Mike Disner has drawn interest from both the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons for their general manager vacancies. Disner has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Panthers job but remains open to discussions with Atlanta.
As Detroit continues to refine its coaching staff, the attention paid to Lions assistants across the league highlights the organization’s progress under Campbell. The combination of internal stability and external interest suggests the Lions’ influence is growing well beyond Ford Field.