Lions OC tracker: What we know about the search for John Morton's replacement

The Detroit Lions are certainly doing their due diligence for their open offensive coordinator role this offseason.

After missing out on the postseason with a 9-8 record and locking in a last-place schedule for 2026, Detroit is on the hunt for a new OC to take the reigns on their very talented roster. Whoever comes into town is immediately being handed an offense that can become the best one in the league next season. That's why it's important the Lions nail this hire.

While their defense obviously needs to pull their weight in terms of staying healthy and gaining back some depth at key positions, their offense requires some important tweaks, as well. Adding a true starting center, potentially replacing Taylor Decker at left tackle, and seeing what the word is with David Montgomery's happiness are all priorities for the Lions to address this offseason.

So, who have they spoken to already for this coveted role? And, who are they planning to speak with? Let's lay out a timeline for these interviews, and we'll also update this tracker with information as it comes in.

Lions OC tracker: Latest updates and rumors about Lions' search for new coordinator

Coaches that have already interviewed for the position:

Mike McDaniel

The former Miami Dolphins head coach interviewed with the Lions on January 13, leaving Detroit with no job (yet). He's still got interviews lined up for head coaching gigs in Tennessee, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Baltimore, but recent reporting suggests that McDaniel would covet an OC role on a team that's already established over a HC role on a team with some major holes.

That's excellent news for the Lions, who might have the most appealing job at OC in the NFL right now. They have a stable quarterback situation, elite playmakers locked in long-term, and minimal holes to fill on their offensive line. McDaniel should be intrigued by this opportunity, but we'll see if he commits to the cause. At least Detroit brought him in.

Mike Kafka

Kafka, the former head coach of the New York Giants, interviewed with the Lions a day after McDaniel. He was a solid play-caller for the Giants in his short tenure there, and he could be a creative mind added to this Lions coaching staff.

He nearly got a huge upset over on the Lions when the Giants played the Lions this regular season with a backup quarterback in tow, which probably impressed Dan Campbell quite a bit.

Kafka's connection to the Lions was made by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Kafka wouldn't be the worst hire in the world for the Lions if McDaniel walks for another opportunity.

Coaches the Lions are planning to interview

Tee Martin

Martin, the Baltimore Ravens' quarterbacks coach, will be interviewing with the Lions. That news was shared by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who also mentioned that the Washington Commanders had him on their docket before hiring David Blough for their open OC position. Blough was another candidate for OC that the Lions were interested in interviewing, but the former Lions QB went to Washington.

Martin brings a breadth of experience having coached one of the more elite quarterbacks in the NFL the last few seasons, and he's been a big part of the Ravens' passing game in recent years.

Martin would be one of the Lions' "big swing" signings in the sense that he's a bit less proven than the other names they're bringing in. But, he's worth a shot.

Zac Robinson

Robinson, the former OC for the Atlanta Falcons, is another coordinator the Lions have requested to interview following their talks with McDaniel and Kafka. Robinson has a connection with Jared Goff, having coached him as a quarterbacks coach with the Los Angeles Rams. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network was first on that news.

Beyond that connection, though, this interview isn't too inspiring if you're a Lions fan looking to see Goff continue to post an excellent TD:INT ratio. The Robinson-Goff era saw Goff post some of his worst numbers, as shared by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network:

Again, it's nice to see that the Lions are doing their best to get as many out of house interviews as possible for this role, but Robinson doesn't feel like a great fit.

Arthur Smith

Smith is another coordinator the Lions are seeking to interview this offseason, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Smith, coming off a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their OC, is another less than inspiring name added to the Lions' meeting calendar.

Jake Peetz

Peetz' time was requested by the Lions around the time their offseason had just kicked off, but he hasn't interviewed yet for the job. Mike Garafolo shared that news first. Peetz is still working the postseason with the Seattle Seahawks, which could explain the delay in news there.

But, he's a name that's floated around as a potential OC hire for a while amongst the league, and someone seen as a sharp offensive mind.