When the Detroit Lions had announced that Mike Kafka would be joining their coaching staff, but not as their next offensive coordinator, there was a bit of confusion. What role would Kafka be in if not the one he had interviewed for?
Well, a void had been created at the position of pass game coordinator after Detroit promoted John Morton from that position last season, leaving David Shaw to take up the reins. Now, it looks like the Lions brought Kafka in for a pretty important role with the offense, taking Shaw's job for the 2026 season. The team announced that change on Monday, before the NFL Combine.
Kafka last served as the offensive coordinator and interim head coach of the New York Giants, but he was the passing game coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2020 to 2021, in addition to their quarterbacks coach from 2018 to 2019. He's well primed to achieve some high-level success in this job for Detroit, especially with quarterback (thankfully) being their most stable position.
Kafka's role revealed, other coaching changes of note
In addition to Kafka's hire, another significant change to note was the promotion of Scottie Montgomery from assistant head coach to associate head coach, in addition to becoming their wide receivers coach. Dan Skipper is also officially on the staff following his retirement from the NFL, acting as an offensive assistant.
Shaw, following a demotion given Kafka's hire and placement as the passing game coordinator, is now the passing game specialist for Detroit. Jim O'Neill was also promoted to assistant head coach after serving with the teams' defense as an assistant since 2024. He'll also be helping out with the safety room.
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A notable departure from Dan Campbell's staff for 2026 is Mike Clark, the Lions' former director of sports performance. Clark, per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, is retiring.
Detroit finally has a rounded out coaching staff, save for news on who will replace Steve Oliver as the teams' assistant offensive line coach as he was promoted to being the teams' TE coach and Clark's replacement.
Drew Petzing finally has a firm grasp on who he'll be working alongside this season as the Lions look to bounce back from a weird 2025, and Kelvin Sheppard also knows who he'll be working alongside again in his sophomore season at defensive coordinator.