The Detroit Lions officially announced their full 2026 coaching staff this week, confirming a group that blends continuity, internal promotions, and a few intriguing additions as the franchise looks to build on its recent success.
Head coach Dan Campbell returns for another season at the helm, continuing to steer a team that has firmly re-established itself as a contender in the NFC. The message from Allen Park is clear: keep the culture intact, sharpen the edges, and keep pushing forward.
Offensive Changes Signal Evolution
The most notable shift comes on offense.
Drew Petzing steps in as offensive coordinator, bringing a fresh voice to a unit that has already proven it can move the football at a high level. Detroit is betting that Petzing can refine the structure while maintaining the physical identity that defines this team.
The Lions also added Mike Kafka as pass game coordinator, a move that adds experience and schematic versatility to the offensive staff. Kafka previously served as an NFL offensive coordinator and brings play-calling insight that should help in game planning and situational football.
One of the more interesting additions is a familiar face to Lions fans. Dan Skipper, the longtime Detroit offensive lineman and fan favorite, transitions into coaching as an offensive assistant. Skipper’s move keeps his presence inside the building and gives the staff someone who understands the locker room, the culture, and the physical style Campbell demands. It is not often a player makes that direct jump in the same organization, and it speaks to the trust Detroit has in him.
Returning to their posts are:
- Mark Brunell at quarterbacks
- Tashard Choice at running backs
- Hank Fraley overseeing the offensive line and run game coordination
- Steve Oliver working with tight ends
- Scottie Montgomery serving as associate head coach and wide receivers coach
The offensive staff reflects both continuity and calculated evolution.
Defensive Stability Remains
On defense, Kelvin Sheppard continues as defensive coordinator. Detroit values consistency here, especially after the defense showed flashes of dominance when healthy.
Supporting Sheppard:
- Deshea Townsend as passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach
- Shaun Dion Hamilton with linebackers
- Kacy Rodgers focusing on the defensive line
- Jim O’Neil as assistant head coach and safeties
The emphasis appears to be on maintaining structure while improving depth and execution.
Special Teams and Support Staff
Dave Fipp remains in charge of special teams, a unit that has consistently delivered in critical moments.
Strength and conditioning continues under Josh Schuler, with Jill Costanza leading sports science efforts, maintaining the performance infrastructure that has become a quiet strength of the organization.
The Bigger Picture
This staff announcement reinforces something important about where the Lions are as a franchise. They are no longer chasing stability. They have it. Now the focus shifts to refinement.
The additions of Petzing and Kafka suggest a willingness to evolve offensively. The promotion of Skipper signals culture matters. Keeping Sheppard and the defensive core intact shows trust in internal growth.
Detroit believes this group is capable of ending its long postseason drought and pushing deeper into January.
Now it becomes about execution.