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Buccaneers Interview Israel Woolfork, David Shaw For OC Job

By | at January 10, 2026 6:46 pm

The Buccaneers completed virtual interviews with Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork and Lions passing game coordinator David Shaw for their offensive coordinator vacancy, per team writer Scott Smith.

Tampa Bay moved on from OC Josh Grizzard at the end of the season after the team’s offense dropped from a top-five unit in 2024 to a bottom-half one this past season. The decision came as little surprise at the time, although it has since been followed by a number of other changes on Todd Bowles‘ staff. Finding Grizzard’s replacement in short order represents an obvious priority.

Woolfork began his coaching career in 2013 in the college ranks. His introduction to the NFL came in 2021 by means of the Bill Walsh NFL diversity coaching fellowship. After two years in Cleveland, Woolfork joined the Cardinals. He has served as the team’s QBs coach for the past three years.

Shaw’s resume is much more extensive. The 53-year-old has been in coaching since 1995 is best known for his run as Stanford’s head coach (2011-22). Shaw returned to the NFL in 2024 by joining the Broncos’ front office. That one-year Denver stint was followed by a return to the sidelines when Shaw took his current position in Detroit. The Lions endured a number of departures on their staff last year, and Shaw was among the most experienced replacements brought in.

Tampa Bay has already conducted an interview with former Titans head coach Brian Callahan. Prior to his ill-fated Tennessee gig, Callahan had a notable run as a non-playcalling OC in Cincinnati. The team has also been linked to ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Earlier today, it was learned Falcons OC Zac Robinson has interviewed with Tampa Bay despite the fact he is still under contract (at least for now). A reunion between the Bucs and Todd Monken for the offensive coordinator position is also something to watch for as the team seeks out its options on the coordinator market.

Adam La Rose contributed to this post.

2 comments Arizona Cardinals Detroit Lions Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lions To Interview Tee Martin, Jake Peetz For OC Role; Commanders Also Eyeing Martin

By | at January 9, 2026 4:58 pm

The Lions seemingly want to interview Mike McDaniel for their OC job, but they are starting the process with other names. Jake Peetz and Tee Martin are on the NFC North team’s interview list.

Peetz, the Seahawks’ pass-game coordinator, received an interview request from the Lions, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo notes. He will meet with the team. Additionally, veteran insider Jordan Schultz mentions Ravens QBs coach Tee Martin will meet about the job. Martin will interview for both the Lions and Commanders‘ OC positions next week, per Schultz.

[RELATED: David Blough On Lions’ OC Radar]

This marks another trip on the coordinator carousel for Peetz, a former Rams staffer who interviewed for the Buccaneers’ OC job in 2024. The Seahawks ended up hiring Peetz after the Bucs gave their play-calling gig to Liam Coen. Peetz has played a role in Sam Darnold‘s solid season, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the NFL in receiving on his watch as well. Peetz, 40, was not with the Rams during Jared Goff‘s tenure. He coached under Sean McVay from 2022-23.

Still best known for leading Tennessee to the national championship as Peyton Manning‘s Volunteers successor in 1998, Martin has been an NFL staffer since 2021. He has only worked with the Ravens, who promoted him to QBs coach in 2023. Martin being in that role for back-to-back Lamar Jackson first-team All-Pro seasons certainly helps his case, though Baltimore is set to change coaching staffs for the first time since 2008 thanks to firing John Harbaugh. That leaves Martin in limbo.

This is not Martin’s first time on the OC carousel, however. The former Baltimore receivers coach met with the Bills in 2022 and Colts in 2023. Neither Peetz nor Martin (47) have called plays in the NFL. That will not be a prerequisite, per Lions GM Brad Holmes (via ESPN.com’s Eric Woodyard). Morton had not called plays in the NFL in eight years, but Dan Campbell took over that responsibility in Week 10 of this season before firing the assistant.

The Commanders interviewed Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells for their OC job Thursday. While John Morton struggled in Detroit, Martin will be interviewing to replace Kliff Kingsbury in Washington. The Commanders parted ways with their two-year OC due largely to disagreements between he and GM Adam Peters. Kingsbury, meanwhile, received an HC interview request from the Ravens.

0 comments Baltimore Ravens Detroit Lions Seattle Seahawks Washington Commanders

Lions Could Trade RB David Montgomery

By | at January 8, 2026 10:56 pm

After firing John Morton on Tuesday, the Lions are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator. Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach (and former Lions QB) David Blough and ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel have emerged as early candidates. Regardless of who lands the job, it doesn’t appear running back David Montgomery is a lock to remain among the Lions’ offensive weapons in 2026.

The 28-year-old Montgomery took on a lesser role this season, his third in Detroit. It could go down as his last in a Lions uniform. Asked about Montgomery’s future on Thursday, general manager Brad Holmes didn’t rule out an offseason trade.

“Those are discussions that we’re going to have to have a lot more in depth in terms of what is the best plan for him going forward,” Holmes said (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). “Is it somewhere else or whatever the case be.”

Montgomery, a 2019 third-round pick from Iowa State, spent his first four NFL seasons with the NFC North rival Bears. The Lions brought him in on a three-year, $18MM contract in March 2023.

Montgomery’s presence didn’t stop the Lions from using a first-rounder on fellow running back Jahmyr Gibbs a month and a half later. Both moves have worked out brilliantly for Detroit. The two RBs (aka “Sonic” and “Knuckles”) have formed one of the league’s top tandems during their three years together.

The electric Gibbs has established himself as the Lions’ lead back, but Montgomery has still seen plenty of action. With Ben Johnson running the offense during Montgomery’s first two years as a Lion, the 5-foot-11, 230-pounder combined for 28 games and averaged 202 carries, 908 yards and about 13 rushing touchdowns per season.

Although Montgomery posted his first career 17-game campaign in 2025, his playing time diminished with Morton and then head coach Dan Campbell calling plays. Despite recording a 4.5 YPC, Montgomery amassed single-season lows in carries (158) and yards (716). He found the end zone eight times on the ground, but that was still a four-TD drop from his 2024 output.

“He deserves to be in a situation where his skill set can be utilized,” Holmes said. “And so yeah, would love it for it to be here, but if it can’t be here, then you would have to just see what you can work out the best for him.”

Holmes isn’t under any immediate pressure to make a decision on Montgomery, who has two years left on his second Lions contract. The team awarded Montgomery a three-year, $18.25MM extension with $10.5MM in guarantees in October 2024. Montgomery’s due to count approximately $8.37MM against the Lions’ salary cap in 2026. Trading or releasing him before June 1 would leave the Lions with around $4.86MM in dead money. It would also create another hole on the roster.

Gibbs is one of the league’s premier backs, but subtracting Montgomery would leave the Lions perilously thin at the position. Quarterback Jared Goff‘s 19 rushing attempts ranked third on the team in 2025, meaning Holmes will have to find a capable replacement for Montgomery if he goes in another direction.

21 comments Detroit Lions

Lions Eyeing Mike McDaniel For OC Job

By | at January 8, 2026 2:40 pm

Hours after the Dolphins bailed on a potential plan to give Mike McDaniel a fifth season as head coach, the experienced play-caller is drawing offensive coordinator interest.

The Lions reached out to McDaniel about their OC vacancy, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports. Detroit fired John Morton after one season. McDaniel figures to be a coveted commodity on the OC carousel, and it should not be deemed out of the question HC-needy teams express interest.

There will be competition for McDaniel’s services on the OC market, should he drop below the HC level during this cycle. A number of teams and prospective HCs have the newly available coach on their OC list, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds. The Lions, however, do present a favorable option for play-callers given their offensive personnel and recent success.

While the Lions have not used anyone from the Mike/Kyle Shanahan tree since Anthony Lynn — whom Dan Campbell demoted during his first season calling plays (2021) — it is clear the team is interested in a potential transition. McDaniel learned under Kyle Shanahan at multiple stops, and considering the popularity of this genre of offense leaguewide, such a transition certainly shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for the Lions. After all, Jared Goff developed under Mike Shanahan disciple Sean McVay in Los Angeles.

McDaniel (feat. Tyreek Hill) reignited Tua Tagovailoa‘s career upon arrival in Miami four years ago. The former No. 5 overall pick led the NFL in yards per attempt and passer rating in 2022, paced the league in passing yardage in 2023 and in completion percentage in 2024. Miami’s offense steadily declined under McDaniel, however, sinking from second (2023) to 22nd (2024) to 25th (’25). This period ended with Tagovailoa’s benching and both McDaniel and GM Chris Grier being fired.

The Dolphins were believed to be more likely to retain McDaniel, but a Wednesday report indicated GM candidates were being asked for their thoughts about working with him. Despite some ex-McDaniel coworkers in the mix, the Dolphins moved on and will align their GM and HC positions this offseason. The Lions have an established head coach in Campbell, who also spent time in Miami during Stephen Ross‘ ownership tenure (and with Grier in the front office), but they swung and missed on Morton.

Detroit did not conduct a thorough search upon hiring Morton. With McDaniel in demand, the Lions will likely reach out to more candidates this time around. With McDaniel a minority candidate, however, the Lions would not need to interview a second option. The Rooney Rule only mandates one external minority candidate be interviewed for coordinator positions — as opposed to two for HC and GM posts. Though, the team still will be likely to meet with multiple candidates given the moving parts here.

7 comments Detroit Lions

Falcons Request Robert Saleh HC Interview; Team To Speak With Mike Disner For Football Operations Role

By | at January 8, 2026 12:12 pm

The Falcons have a vacancy at the head coach and general manager positions. Atlanta will also soon have a new president of football operations.

A hire for the football ops role will take place before the other positions are filled. Matt Ryan remains the favorite in that capacity, but other options are (as required) being explored as well. Interviews will take place beginning today. Ian Cunningham (Bears) has received an interview request. The same is also true of Josh Williams (49ers), while Brandt Tilis (Panthers) will speak with Atlanta about the gig.

A fifth candidate has emerged for the new front office spot. Lions COO Mike Disner will interview today for the president of football operations gig, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. Cunningham’s interview will take place tomorrow, he adds. All five will have spoken with Atlanta by the end of Friday; a hire will be expected shortly thereafter.

Disner began working in the NFL with the Cardinals in 2013. His six-year run in Arizona was followed by a move to Detroit. Disner has been with the Lions since 2019, previously serving as the team’s senior vice president of football and business operations. Since 2022, he has worked in his current capacity. Disner was connected to the Panthers’ GM opening in 2024 but withdrew from consideration.

As for Atlanta’s head coaching search, another interview request has been filed. According to Breer, the Falcons are among the teams looking to speak with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. An interview cannot take place until next week in his case, but Saleh figures to be busy fielding interest from a number of teams. He has already received an interview request from the Cardinals, and more are expected over the coming days.

Saleh, 46, gained steam as a head coaching candidate during his first stint leading San Francisco’s defense (2017-20). Things did not go as planned with the Jets, but Saleh is among the top options in terms of coaches who could land a second HC opportunity during the 2026 hiring cycle. Atlanta went the route of a veteran, defense-oriented coach last time around by reuniting with Raheem Morris. It will be interesting to see if a similar approach is taken this year.

7 comments Atlanta Falcons Detroit Lions San Francisco 49ers

2026 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker

By | at January 7, 2026 9:50 pm

The Browns, Cardinals, Falcons and Raiders followed the Giants and Titans in firing head coaches, making those calls between the Week 18 conclusion and Black Monday. The Ravens then moved on from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons; two days later, the Dolphins canned Mike McDaniel. Following a wild-card loss, the Steelers and Mike Tomlin are separating after 19 years. Now, after an overtime divisional-round loss in Denver, Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo.

The 10 HC openings are tied with 1978, 1997, 2006 and 2022 for the most in one year. Here are the candidates connected to all those searches, including the six remaining jobs. If more teams make changes, they will be added to the list.

Updated 1-20-26 (2:34pm CT)

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

Cleveland Browns

Las Vegas Raiders

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tennessee Titans

11 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Los Angeles Rams Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New England Patriots New York Giants PFR Originals Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks Tennessee Titans

NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/6/26

By | at January 6, 2026 10:20 pm

Four teams signed players to reserve/futures contracts on Tuesday, though only the Dolphins made more than two moves. Here are the latest updates:

Detroit Lions

  • OL Seth McLaughlin

Indianapolis Colts

  • LB Joseph Vaughn

Miami Dolphins

Washington Commanders

  • G Tyler Cooper, WR Nick Nash
0 comments Detroit Lions Indianapolis Colts Miami Dolphins Transactions Washington Commanders

David Blough A Candidate For Lions’ Offensive Coordinator Job

By | at January 6, 2026 7:52 pm

Former Lions quarterback David Blough could return to the organization as a coach. Blough, the Commanders’ assistant quarterbacks coach, is a candidate to become the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. It’s unclear if he’ll interview for the position.

The Lions’ hunt for an O-coordinator began when they fired John Morton on Tuesday afternoon. Morton, the Lions’ initial replacement for Ben Johnson, lasted just one year in the role.

Detroit ranked fifth in both total offense and scoring in 2025, but Morton didn’t call the plays for the entire season. Head coach Dan Campbell took over the responsibilities in Week 10. The unit improved after Morton’s demotion.

Blough, an NFL quarterback from 2019-23, spent a good chunk of his short career in the Motor City. There’s familiarity with Campbell, who coached him in 2021 and ’23.

Still just 30 years old, Blough has been on Commanders head coach Dan Quinn‘s staff since 2024. Blough worked under former quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard for most of the past two seasons, and the two aided in the development of Jayden Daniels during that span.

While Daniels enjoyed a tremendous first season en route to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, injuries limited him to seven games in 2025. The Commanders fell from NFC Championship Game participants in 2024 to a dismal 5-12 during an injury-wrecked campaign. They lost Pritchard when he left to become Stanford’s head coach in late November. Blough finished the season as the Commanders’ interim QBs coach.

In returning to Detroit as a coordinator, Blough would inherit one of the league’s most talented offenses. Quarterback Jared Goff, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta are among their weapons under contract through at least next season.

Even if the Lions don’t hire him, it’s unclear if Blough will remain in Washington in 2026. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury exited his post on Tuesday. Kingsbury’s replacement may want to hire an entirely new group of coaches, which would leave Blough to look elsewhere.

7 comments Detroit Lions Washington Commanders

Lions Fire OC John Morton

By | at January 6, 2026 4:04 pm

Weeks after Dan Campbell took over Lions play-calling duties, the team will search for a new offensive coordinator. John Morton is out as OC after one season in the role, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports. The Lions have since announced the move.

This was rumored to be the direction the Lions were heading, and it certainly makes sense given the abrupt removal of Morton’s chief responsibility. The firing also comes after the Lions went through a curiously thin search to replace Ben Johnson.

Neither Lions coordinator search was thorough. Campbell promoted Kelvin Sheppard to DC and added Morton from the Broncos, who had him in place as their pass-game coordinator. The Lions only satisfied the Rooney Rule during their OC search, with Campbell clearly having Morton in mind after losing Johnson to the Bears. It would surprise if the team replicated that narrow search this time around.

Morton, 56, had worked as a senior offensive assistant in Detroit during the 2022 season. This dismissal marks Morton’s second one-and-done in an NFL OC role. The Jets moved on after the 2017 season. Morton had the misfortune of leading the Jets’ offense during what turned out to be a gap year, when the team let Ryan Fitzpatrick walk in free agency and signed Josh McCown as a stopgap starter. Morton’s setup, however, was much better in Detroit. The offense took a step back after Johnson departed for Chicago.

The Lions still ranked fourth in scoring offense and fifth in yardage, but Campbell yanked Morton’s play sheet prior to Week 10. The move reminded of Campbell’s impatience with Anthony Lynn, the Lions’ OC during Campbell’s first year as HC. Campbell demoted Lynn, taking the play sheet, before the parties separated after the 2021 season. This brought Johnson to the forefront, and he excelled in the OC role for three seasons. Johnson drew significant HC interest in 2023 and ’24 but backed out of the running in both years. This gave Campbell some time to determine a replacement, but his first choice backfired.

While the Lions deserve criticism for not conducting much of a search to replace Johnson, continuity concerns motivated the decisions. Morton had been with the Lions three years ago and interviewed for the OC job Lynn landed a year prior. Following Morton’s Jets firing, he was on Jon Gruden‘s Raiders staff (as a senior assistant) for three years. The Broncos appointed him as their PGC in 2023. That season brought a Russell Wilson turnaround, and while Sean Payton has received most of the credit for that and Bo Nix‘s impressive career start, Morton parlayed Nix’s rookie season into an OC opportunity.

When Campbell took the call sheet, the Lions ranked 12th in yards per game. The second half brought an improvement, as Morton faded into the background. The Lions enjoyed good health at the skill positions, but Morton struggled to keep Jameson Williams involved in the offense. Detroit ran into some injury trouble along its offensive line, but the Jared Goff-piloted offense still stayed in the top five following Johnson’s departure.

The Lions have Goff, Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery and Penei Sewell signed long term. Jahmyr Gibbs is an extension candidate as well, creating obvious appeal for this job. Morton has spent a few years away at the college level, but he began his NFL coaching tenure in 1998. He has been a two-time Gruden staffer and three-time Payton assistant. A drop south of the coordinator level appears a near-certainty after this quick firing.

11 comments Detroit Lions Newsstand

NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/5/26

By | at January 5, 2026 8:00 pm

We’ve got our first batch of reserve/futures contracts to pass along. These moves allow organizations to retain (routinely) young, practice squad players. Here are the latest transactions:

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

  • OT Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, WR Cornelius Johnson, DT David Olajiga, DB Amani Oruwariye, G Jared Penning, DB Marquise Robinson, LB Kaimon Rucker, FB Lucas Scott

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

  • CB Dalys Beanum, CB Beanie Bishop, WR Elijah Cooks, S Elliott Davison, DT Coziah Izzard, OT Easton Kilty, CB Jayden Price, OT Barry Wesley

New York Giants

New York Jets

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

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